European cranberrybush

European cranberrybush should be watered deeply and regularly. During the first growing season, water the plant at least once a week, ideally in the morning or evening. When the bush is first planted, water very deeply to help the soil settle and water the soil around the roots. After that, continue to water the bush deeply, ensuring that the roots receive enough moisture. In the summer months, water the cranberrybush twice a week. During any extended periods of heat or drought, water more frequently. In the winter months, severely cut back waterings as the cranberrybush goes dormant and doesn’t require much water. If temperatures are unusually warm, you may need to water once a month.

European cranberrybush thrives best when planted in full sun and given 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Depending on the season and the environment, this can increase or decrease to 3 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. In the hot summer months, the shrub may require some protection from afternoon sun to prevent wilting and desiccation, so the plant should be provided with some shade if it gets very hot and sunny. The shrub should be watered about once a week in the summer months and once every 2 weeks during the winter.

European cranberrybush should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before it begins to grow anew. To encourage healthy, full growth, it should be pruned lightly. Older or dense shrubs should be cut back by about a third, while younger plants and sparsely growing plants should be pruned more carefully, removing only a few branches. Be sure to protect the bush from disease or pests and wear gloves and pruners when trimming.