About
This upright, deciduous shrub with oval leaves, which are sometimes coarsley lacerated around the edges. Clusters of small pink flowers followed by white fruit 1.5cm across. It spreads by suckering roots, so has the potential to become a nuisance if not maintained and should not be planted in or adjacent to the countryside.
About the genus
Symphoricarpos are twiggy deciduous shrubs, sometimes suckering, with small, simple leaves and tiny bell-shaped pink or white flowers, followed by juicy white pink or purple berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE N America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist fertile soil. This plant is tolerant of pollution and extreme conditions. Thicket forming and has potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 1 or 2, after flowering. When established, prune a third of older stems out annually
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Rooted suckers can be transplanted in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free