Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, let the upper soil dry between deep irrigations; provide supplemental summer water in Phoenix for healthy foliage and good berry production.
Berries mildly toxic if eaten in quantity; thorns cause injury.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix. Avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls or pavement.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, let the upper soil dry between deep irrigations; provide supplemental summer water in Phoenix for healthy foliage and good berry production.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay and alkaline conditions if drainage is adequate. Avoid persistently wet soil.
Mature size: Typically 6–12 feet tall and wide; size varies by cultivar and pruning.
Bloom: Clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by berries that color in fall and often persist into winter.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in Phoenix.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate water.