About
A vigorous, thicket-forming deciduous shrub, up to 3m high, with broadly oval-shaped dark blue-green leaves held in pairs along the stems; occasionally some are lobed. Short clusters of small pink bell-shaped flowers are produced in early summer; these are followed by tight clusters of large white berries that persist into winter. 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 shade, Full 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, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 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. Spreads vigorously; has potential to become a nuisance if suckering is not managed
PruningPruning group 1 or 2 after flowering. 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)