About
A deciduous shrub, to around 2m high, with an upright, densely branching habit and small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves with hairy undersides. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers are produced in late summer, followed by round white berries flushed with pink.
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, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 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
CultivationEasy to grow in most reasonably well-drained, fertile soil in sun or part-shade. Tolerant of pollution and poor soils
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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildews, rust diseases, stem galls and honey fungus (rarely)