Mockberries are popular ornamental shrubs for both gardens and containers on balconies and terraces. With their decorative but slightly poisonous berries, they are particularly attractive in winter. What care do they need?
How do you properly care for mock berries?
Mockberry care includes regular watering with rainwater, fertilizing from the end of March to the beginning of August, winter protection from sun and frost and a subtle pruning in spring. In the pot, care is more complex, including liquid fertilizer and root ball moisture.
What is important to consider when watering?
Watering is essential in the care of mock berries. These plants do not tolerate drought. If they had the choice, they would prefer short-term wetness to short-term dryness. Therefore, you should water your mock berry regularly in the heat of summer, in dry times and also when there is no rain! Rainwater should be used for watering.
Does the mock berry need regular fertilizer?
The mock berry can be fertilized from the end of March to the beginning of August:
- Do not fertilize from mid-August onwards (otherwise shoots will no longer be able to woody)
- fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks
- Rhododendron fertilizer is well suited (€8.00 on Amazon)
- Use only lime-free fertilizer
- As an alternative to fertilizing, mulch e.g. B. with bark mulch
Do you have to overwinter the false berry?
Mockberries are extremely hardy. They have their origins in North America and Canada to thank for this. You should only protect these plants from winter sun and frost with brushwood, for example.
How is pruning tolerated and how do you go about it?
False berries should not be cut radically. A light cut is recommended. A good time for cutting is between mid-March and mid-April. Cut the shoots discreetly! This stimulates bud formation (re-blooming) and accelerates growth. Dead, diseased and old shoots can always be removed on frost-free days.
How is care different on the balcony?
The care of mock berries in the bucket, for example on the balcony, is more complex:
- Keep root ball slightly moist
- prevent drying out in winter
- use decalcified water for watering
- fertilize from April
- After repotting, wait 1 year before fertilizing again for the first time
- Use liquid fertilizer for fertilizing
- Add fertilizer to the irrigation water once a month
- Winterproof up to -20 °C (can stay outside)
Tip
Protect your blackberry from drying out in summer by covering it with bark mulch!
