Season

Features

Spring

Clusters of small, white flowers appear in mid to late spring, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Summer

Glossy green foliage forms a tidy, upright canopy.

Autumn

Bright red berries ripen in clusters; foliage turns orange to reddish tones in colder conditions.

Winter

Feature

Benefit

Cold-hardy and resilient

Withstands harsh winters and thrives in northern climates.

Long-lasting berries

Red fruit persists into winter, providing extended seasonal colour and bird food.

Tidy, upright habit

Perfect for smaller spaces or structured planting schemes.

Seasonal beauty

Hardy, drought-tolerant, Spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn berries and foliage, winter silhouette.and thrives in most soils with minimal care.

Wildlife-friendly

Supports pollinators in spring and birds in autumn and winter.

Step

Instructions

Planting Time

Bare-root: November–March. Container-grown: Suitable for planting year-round.

Spacing

Allow 3–4 metres between trees to accommodate mature spread.

Sunlight Position

Prefers full sun for best flowering and berry production; tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Water well during establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.

Soil Type

Grows well in well-drained soils including loam, clay, or sandy types. Avoid waterlogged areas.

Fertilising

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring if soil is poor. Otherwise, not usually necessary.

Mulching

Use a 5–7 cm layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Issue

Solution

Pests

Generally pest-resistant. May occasionally attract aphids or leaf miners—use a strong spray of water or encourage ladybirds.

Diseases

Can be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, or fire blight in humid conditions. Remove affected branches and ensure good airflow.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged wood in late winter. Light shaping can be done after flowering.

Wildlife

Benefits

Pollinators

Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Birds

Autumn berries offer an important seasonal food source, especially in early winter.

Habitat

Dense, branching habit offers shelter and potential nesting spots for small birds and garden wildlife.