A Florida native which grows with an open crown, slightly drooping branches to a height of 80'-90'. Its habitat is moist soil, generally found on river flood plains, although sometimes found out in open areas. The bark is smooth when young, turning into like a corky wart with age. Develops nice tight branches, which lends well for good ramification and leaves will reduce quite readily.
PRUNING... A rapid grower through the summer. Allow to grow out to 8-10 leaves, then prune back to 1-2 leaves. Many new shoots will sprout from cut branches, at the location of the cut, reduce this to 2 shoots. They can form a dense canopy rather quickly. Keep the inside of the canopy open and thin as necessary to allow sufficient light and air circulation. Sometimes dies back when cutting major branches or trunk, allow for that. Can be defoliated after spring leaves have hardened..
TRAINING... It is a quick grower so watch for wire scarring. Sugarberry’s have somewhat of a thin bark when young so be careful when wiring and styling.
WATERING... Likes it through the growing months, prefers to be on the dry side for the winter.
LIGHT... Full sun. In winter, keep in shade to prevent early bud break.
INSECT/DISEASE... Watch for spider mites and scale. With our afternoon summer rains, watch for fungal leaf spot.
REPOT... Younger trees, generally every year, older trees, every 2-3 years. Add a little more organic matter to your soil mix for water retention. Prefers a slightly deeper pot, yea, that’s me, saying put it in a bigger pot.
FERTILIZE... Well balanced through the growing season. No nitrogen from late summer. No fertilizer in the winter.
SEASONAL... Cold Hardy. Leave out through the winter.
Celtis laevigata
Hackberry or Sugarberry