About
This fast-growing, thicket-forming, deciduous shrub with oval-shaped blue-dark green leaves on arching branches. The flowers, although insignificant, are full of nectar and attract bees. Small white-pink flowers are produced in late summer, followed by violet-pink berries in the autumn.
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
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
CultivationHas the potential to become a nuisance plant if not managed well
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 2; sucker removal if necessary, in winter
PropagationPropagate in autumn by division 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)