About
A deciduous, thicket-forming shrub, to around 2m high, with oval-shaped, dark green leaves with paler undersides. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers are produced in mid to 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, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 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
CultivationGrow in moist fertile soil. This plant is tolerant of pollution and extreme conditions. Thicket forming and has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 1 or 2, after flowering. When established, prune a third of older stems out annually
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn if suckering. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildews, rust diseases, stem galls and honey fungus (rarely)