Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, allowing space for its spreading habit. While adaptable, it thrives in fertile, humus-rich soil, benefiting from regular watering during dry spells to establish strong growth.
In March put on some thorn-proof gloves and cut back the stems to within two or three buds from the base. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.