winterberry

Winterberry plants should be watered deeply and thoroughly, on an intermittent basis. They should be watered whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil seem dry, generally every few days in the summer and every week-10 days in winter, depending on weather conditions. It is important to remember to water slowly and deeply, to ensure the water penetrates the root system. During the summer months, plants should be watered once a week until the top of the soil is moist (about 1-2 inches below the surface). During the cooler months of fall and winter, water the plants only when the top couple inches of soil feel dry. If the plant is located in a particularly windy spot, it may be necessary to water the plant more often than the standard watering schedule.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake') plants thrive best in full sunlight; however, they can tolerate some partial shade. Therefore, they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day; ideally, they should receive more than 8 hours of sun during the growing season. Winterberry plants will do best if planted in a spot where they can receive the morning sun, protecting them from the afternoon sun which can be more intense.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake') should be pruned right after blooming. By pruning off the oldest and most unbranched stems near the base of the plant ,the shrub will become fuller and more contoured. Pruning should be light, removing only an inch or 2 of growth each year. Removing too much growth can cause the shrub to be unevenly balanced and cause bare spots. Fertilise the plant in the late spring or early summer with a slow-release granular fertiliser.