About
A low, spreading deciduous shrub with rooting branches, small, ovate leaves and tiny white flowers in late summer, followed by white fruit speckled with red.
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, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most reasonably moist, fertile soil. Tolerant of pollution and all but the most extreme conditions
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 2
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)