PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes optimal berry production and dense foliage
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates moderate summer heat, avoid prolonged extreme temperatures above 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval, silvery-green leaves with fuzzy undersides, retained year-round
- Flower: Clusters of small, five-petaled white to pale pink fragrant blooms
- Fruit: Bright red spherical berries persisting through winter
- Stem: Arching, trailing branches with fine, fuzzy hairs on new growth
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering only if plants show signs of wilting
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers and berries
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1 tablespoon per plant around the base and gently work into the top 2 cm of soil to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Trim overgrown branches in late winter to maintain a compact, tidy shape
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Thin dense growth in early spring to encourage better light penetration and berry production
- Prune after fruiting to avoid removing next year's flower buds
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Contains cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental hedge, ground cover, wildlife garden (berries provide winter food for birds)
