Symphoricarpos

 ( sim - for - ee - KAR - pos )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous shrubs is commonly referred to as Snowberry, Ghostberry, or Coralberry, and needs little to moderate water to perform well. The fruits will attract birds to your garden; keep them away from children and pets, however, as they are poisonous if ingested. These shrubs are upright or arching and spread via root suckers. They are native to North America, and are great at controlling erosion on steep banks. Fruit remains after leaves have dropped off the plant, and cut stems are great foliage for winter flower arrangements.

symphoricarpos Species and Varietals

The small genus Symphoricarpos includes 15 species and is a member of the Honeysuckle plant family, Caprifoliaceae. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words suumphorein (to bear together) and karpos (fruit), alluding to the closely packed clusters of berries that follow blooms. Snowberry growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below.

Symphoricarpos albus (Symphoricarpos racemosus) (Common Snowberry)
This species grows well in zones A2, 1-11 and 14-21 and is native to California up to Alaska, and eastward to Montana. Leaves are a dull green and round, and flowers are pink, followed by white fruit from late summer through winter. This species will produce the most fruit if planted in direct sun, but can also take some shade. Tolerant of poor soil, lower light, and can take some neglect.

Symphoricarpos x chenaultii
This species is best in zones 1-11 and 14-21, and has green-white flowers and white-spotted red fruit. This species can take full sun in cool climates but needs partial shade in warm climates. Variety 'Hancock' is a foot tall and makes a wonderful woodland-garden groundcover.

Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii
This species, best in zones 1-11 and 14-21, has dark green leaves and green-white flowers that are followed by white fruit. The plant reaches about 4-6 feet tall and just as wide. Commonly grown varieties of this species include 'Amethyst' (with bright pink berries) and 'Magic Berry' (with lilac-pink fruit).
Fun Fact: Symphoricarpos (Snowberry)
Did you know that in Ireland, children use the berries of these shrubs in play, bursting them close to each others' ears. This has led to the berries being referred to as 'Billy Busters'.

​Symphoricarpos mollis (Creeping Snowberry, Spreading Snowberry)
This groundcover species of Snowberry grows well in zones 2-10 and 14-24, The flowers are pink and berries that follow are white; leaves are dull green. Reaches less than a foot and a half tall, with trailing branches that will root where they touch soil.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Symphoricarpos volgaris) (Coralberry, Indian Currant)
This species of Coralberry grows well in zones 1-11 and 14-21, and is native to the Eastern United States. It has white (sometimes tinged pink) flowers and small purple-red fruits. Needs full sun to flower and fruit well.

Caring for and pruning symphoricarpos shrubs

These shrubs are survivors in a variety of climates and soils; they are most commonly found in forested, woodland areas, dry or moist openings, rocky hillsides, or near riverbanks or streams. They have also been known to grow in a wide variety of soils, from light sandy soil to heavier clay, and can also take a wide range of pH levels (acidic or neutral). Snowberry plants prefer to be situated in full sun to partial shade (they should be receiving at least 4-6 hours of sun per day to flower and fruit well) and to be watered regularly when newly installed. At maturity, these plants are relatively drought tolerant, and only need supplemental waterings during especially dry periods of the year. These shrubs do not normally need much in the way of fertilization. 

After planting, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to improve soil moisture retention and suppress weed growth. Although these plants are considered cold-hardy, mulching will help to protect roots in cooler weather, as well. Pruning Snowberry plants is relatively straightforward; in late winter or early spring, complete pruning to shape and maintain size, and remove any dead wood or damaged/crossing growth at this time, as well. These shrubs have a beautiful natural habit, and really do not need to be pruned much. Some species of Snowberry are considered aggressive spreaders (they grow outward by producing runners). If this will be a problem in your garden space, be sure to dig up any volunteers or bury a plastic root barrier. There are also species to plant that do not spread as vigorously. Care requirements for Snowberry vary according to which species and variety is planted, so be sure to check specific requirements before selecting and planting your Symphoricarpos.

Propagation

Symphoricarpos shrubs can be propagated by using cuttings, through division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Symphoricarpos by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Symphoricarpos by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick tuberous section.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly. 
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.

Propagating Symphoricarpos by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your fruits in fall or winter. The seeds on Snowberry plants are contained inside the fruits produced by the shrub. Once they are ripe, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. When you're ready to work with them, take them out of the bag and put them in a container. Remove the seeds from their berries by either cutting the berries open or by grating them against an abrasive surface. Each berry contains two seeds.
  3. Place your seeds in a resealable bag filled with moistened peat moss. Place the bag in an area that stays at a constant 80 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 days, and then move the bag to your refrigerator (or an area that stays at 40 degrees Fahrenheit) for an additional 120-180 days, keeping the bag moist all the while.
  4. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  5. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Symphoricarpos seeds are contained inside of the berries produced.
Symphoricarpos seeds.

Problems and Pests

Snowberry plants are generally resistant to most pests and diseases.
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Gallery

Snowberries are an important food source for wildlife.
Commonly found in woodland areas, this shrub spreads vigorously via runners.
Snowberry shrubs have a slightly weeping habit to them.

Videos

All about Coralberry.
Snowberry shrubs are wonderful additions to landscapes.
Learn about Symphoricarpos orbiculatus shrubs.
Learn about the toxicity of these shrubs.

Resources

How to Grow and Care for the Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry)
Wikipedia: Symphoricarpos
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 620, Symphoricarpos
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