Description

💧 Watering
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during the first year after planting.
Once established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, water only during extended dry periods.
Avoid overwatering; prefers slightly dry soil between waterings.

☀️ Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
In Malta, best planted in open, sunny areas with good air circulation.
Can tolerate wind and coastal exposure.

🍃 Foliage / 🌸 Flowering
Evergreen shrub/tree with glossy dark-green leaves.
Produces white to pink bell-shaped flowers in autumn, followed by bright red-orange strawberry-like fruits that ripen over winter.
Flowers and fruits appear simultaneously, creating a striking display.

🪴 Potting Mix / Soil
Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Tolerates poor or rocky Maltese soils, provided there’s good drainage.
Can be grown in large containers or directly in the ground.

🌿 Fertilizer
Feed once a year in spring with a slow-release organic fertilizer.
Avoid over-fertilizing, this plant prefers lean soil conditions.

✅🐕🐈 Pet Safety
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Fruits are edible (though bland) and sometimes used for jams or liqueurs.

🌬️ Air Purifying ✅
Helps improve air quality and adds natural greenery year-round.

🌿 Additional Notes
Native and well-adapted to Malta’s dry summers and mild winters.
Tolerates light frost and salty coastal air.
Minimal pruning required, trim lightly after flowering to shape.
Excellent for Mediterranean gardens, hedging, or patio containers.