When you're ready to arrange your harvested winterberry branches, trim off about an inch from the ends. Remove and discard any berries that would be below the water line in your container; this will help prevent bacteria from growing. Then add fresh water and a floral preservative. Change the water as needed.

Do red berry branches need water?

DID YOU KNOW that stems of ilex (holly) berries should never be left out of water? Store the twigs in a moist atmosphere and add cut shrub food to water to keep the berries looking good for longer.

Do you water Winterberry?

Water winterberries regularly to prevent stress, but always allow the soil to dry out in the top 2 inches between waterings to prevent mold. Ideally, you'll want to water about twice weekly to a 4-inch depth in summer. Decrease water to about once weekly in winter. Withhold supplemental water during rainy weather.