About
A compact, suckering shrub to around 1m high, with an upright to arching habit and oval, matt dark green leaves. Clusters of small pink flowers are produced in early summer, followed by large, bright lilac-pink berries that persist well into winter.
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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 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 the 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. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildews, rust diseases, stem galls and honey fungus (rarely)