Alderleaf Buckthorn

Alderleaf Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) grows best in moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. During the growing season, water thoroughly at least once per week, making sure the soil is moist down to about 6 inches. When the weather is especially hot and dry, water should be increased to twice per week. It is best to reduce watering frequency during the winter months, though the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out. When watering, use enough to thoroughly saturate the planting area.

Alderleaf Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) thrives best in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates shade but will not produce as many of its signature berries with less sunlight. The more sun the plant gets, the more berries and flowers it will produce. Therefore, when grown in full sun, Alderleaf Buckthorn should receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, preferably during the warmer months of summer. In areas with less sunlight, it will benefit from several hours of direct sunlight each day, even during the winter.

Alderleaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) can benefit from pruning, which should be done in early spring. Pruning should be limited to removal of any damaged or dead branches. Very little should be taken away from the main structure of the plant so that it can continue developing naturally. If the plant has become overgrown, it can be pruned to reduce its size, either by selective removal of limbs or shearing. Regularly removing suckers can help keep the plant as neat and dense as possible.