About
Small pink flowers are produced in the upper leaf axils from late spring throughout the summer; these are followed by tight clusters of large white berries that persist into winter. A compact, thicket-forming deciduous shrub, with broadly oval to rounded green leaves. Spreads by suckering.
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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationTolerates most soils and conditions, tolerant of pollution. Has potential to become a nuisance if suckering is not managed
PruningPruning group 1 or 2 after flowering. When established, prune a third of older stems out annually. Remove suckers in winter
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn, or by division, transplanting rooted offsets in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildews, rust diseases, stem galls and honey fungus (rarely)