Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A graceful small tree with white spring blossom, summer berries and brilliant orange-red autumn colour, providing interest through several seasons.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• White spring blossom 
• Outstanding autumn colour
• Berries for garden wildlife

• Ideal for: Smaller gardens, mixed borders and multi-season interest. 
• Seasonal interest: Spring blossom; summer berries; autumn foliage
• Flower colour: White opening March-April
• Fruit colour and season: Red-purple to black berries; June–August
• Foliage autumn colour: Bronze young leaves, green in summer, orange-red in autumn

PLANTING ADVICE

Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.

Support / Staking:

Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.

CARE

• Watering:

Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.

• Feeding:

Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.

• Pruning:

Little pruning is normally needed. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches after flowering or in midsummer; avoid heavy pruning that may spoil the natural multi-stemmed shape.

• Ongoing care:

Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.

• Safety:

Not intended for consumption. Fallen leaves, blossom and fruit may create a temporary slip hazard on hard surfaces; clear them as required. Supervise children and pets around newly planted and staked trees. Do not allow any part of the plant to be eaten.