About
A thicket-forming shrub with grey-green leaves. White flowers are produced in the summer followed by fleshy white inedible berries in the autumn. Can be invasive.
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
HabitSuckering, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist fertile soil. Tolerant of pollution and extreme conditions. Thicket forming, may become invasive.
PruningPruning group 1 or 2 after flowering. Remove suckers in winter
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Rooted suckers can be transplanted 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)