Berry Poppins® Winterberry

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: For the best berry production and a dense growth habit, plant in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. While it handles partial shade well, you will notice fewer berries and a more open, leggy structure in lower light.
• Soil: These shrubs love consistent moisture and slightly acidic soil, but they are famous for thriving in heavy clay or boggy areas where other plants fail. If your soil is extremely sandy and dry, mix in several inches of compost or peat moss to help hold onto the moisture this plant craves.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water deeply twice a week to ensure the roots establish firmly in their new home. Once mature, Berry Poppins is remarkably adaptable to wet feet, though it can handle occasional dry spells better than other winterberries. Inconsistent watering during the summer heat can lead to premature leaf drop or smaller, less vibrant berries in the fall.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on new wood, meaning the flowers that become berries grow on the stems produced during the current growing season. The best time for a "haircut" is in early spring before new growth starts, which allows the plant to focus its energy on fresh stems. Avoid heavy pruning every year; instead, remove about one third of the oldest branches down to the ground every few years to keep the shrub rejuvenated and productive.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or one formulated for acid loving plants in early spring as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by winter cold, which can sap the plant's energy for the following spring.