Propagation
Stratify the seeds for three months and maintain a temperature of 5º C (41º F) for 3-months prior to sowing in a prepared bed and keep moist.

Take semi hardwood cuttings taken in during autumn.

Divide established clumps during spring.

Botanic information
Leaf: The bright green imparipinnate leaves have 5 to 9-sessile ovate-oblong leaflets that have spiny margins and are up to 85mm (3½in) long. The texture is stiff and leathery and during autumn the leaves turn red-purple. The terminal bud is ovoid with 6 scales and the laterals are small.

Flower: The small yellow cyathiform flowers are arranged in a terminal raceme that is up to 80mm (3 in) long and appear in groups above the foliage during spring.

Fruit: The fleshy purple-black spherical berries have a grape-like appearance is used for making jelly. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.

Culture
This plant requires little pruning but may be trimmed to form an informal hedge or if it becomes leggy it will tolerate a hard prune to the base to encourage new growth. Wear gloves when handling, as the plant is prickly. It is moderately deer resistant and the plant becomes chlorotic in soils with a high pH.