deerberry

Deerberry plants prefer moderately moist soil that is well-drained. Water should be applied when soil begins to feel dry in the top 1-2 inches. Generally, this will be 1-2 times a week, depending on rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, if the weather is particularly hot or windy, more frequent watering may be necessary. During the winter months, water should be reduced to once every 2-3 weeks.

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) is a perennial plant that prefers full sun in order to thrive. Under optimal conditions in regions such as the Southeastern United States, this species needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sunlight can be beneficial to deerberry plants in planting zones 7 through 9 — up to 12 hours of daily sun in these areas is ideal. During the summer months when the sun’s rays are most direct, deerberry plants should enjoy upward of 14 hours or more of direct sunlight. During periods of high temperatures in the summer, it is important to provide deerberry plants with some shade during the hottest hours of the day to prevent leaf scorch and other damage.

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, before the shoots appear. Cut back about 1-third of the old and overgrown branches to allow light into the center of the plant, and to encourage the growth of new, fresh branches. If stems are diseased or dead, be sure to remove them completely. Pruning assists in controlling the fertility of the plant. While light pruning can be done annually, heavier pruning should only be done in the late winter or very early spring of every few years.