Deciduous North American shrub Description: Bright red fruits persist through the winter; dark green foliage turns yellow in autumn Habit: Grows 5' to 7' feet tall and wide; suckering Culture: Prefers moist, acidic soils high in organic matter and full sun to part shade Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 9 Origin: North America Attributes: Winter berries, rain garden, attracts birdsThis native shrub, also known as "black alder", ranges from Newfoundland to Minnesota, south to Georgia and Tennessee and is typically found in swamps and by ponds.It was introduced to European gardens in 1736. Writing to Philadelphia plant collector William Hamilton in March, 1808, Thomas Jefferson referred to a recent shipment of plants that included "12 Winter berry (Prinus verticillatus sic)", and noted that "the swamps in this neighborhood are now red with this berry" (the shrub was initially given the name Prinos verticillatus by Linnaeus). Garden historian Ann Leighton believes this is the "Red Berry" George Washington looked for when riding out to find movable shrubs and trees for Mount Vernon. The fruits are highly ornamental and edible to birds and wildlife.'Maryland Beauty' is a female plant and requires a male plant for sufficient pollination to produce red berries; 'Jim Dandy' is recommended.This plant will ship bare root.Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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