Symphoricaros albus, S. orbiculatus, S. xchenaulti
Indian Currant, Coralberry, Red Snowberry

Height: 2-4’
Width: 4-6’
Hardiness Zone: 2
Exposure: sun or shade
Origin: New Jersey west to South Dakota and south to Georgia, Kansas and Texas.

Description: Spreading, loose-branched, fine-textured shrub with 1 to 1½-inch long dull-green leaves which hang on into late autumn, but usually without attractive autumn coloration. Small yellowish or pinkish white flowers with red tint are borne in short dense clusters. Small purplish-red fruit hang on into late winter, but lose their color.

Cultivars:

‘Hawkins’ -Compact form 3 foot tall with dark green leaves turning reddish in fall. ‘Taff’s Silver Edge’ -Attractive green leaves edged in creamy yellow ‘Leucocarpus’ -White or whitish-yellow fruit ‘Variegatus’ -Leaves with white margins in full sun or cream-colored in shade.

Chenault Coralberry

Height: 3-5’ Spread: 4-6’ Hardiness Zone: 5 Exposure: sun or partial shade Origin: cross between S. microphyllus x S. orbiculatus Description: Spreading shrub 2 to 5 feet tall with arching branches and very fine textured branches. Small 1 inch long, dull-green leaves and dense fine twigs. Small pink flowers are followed by pink or whitish-pink fruit. In full sun attractive burgundy to purplish autumn foliage color occurs in some locations.

Cultivar:

‘Hancock’ -a low growing form 1-2’ tall that is useful for ground cover.

Related Species: Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii is a hybrid with several selected cultivars in Holland from crosses of S. albus var. laevigatus, S. orbiculatus and S. x chenaultii. Winter hardiness in northern regions of the U.S. has not been thoroughly tested. Estimated winter hardiness is zone 5. ‘Magic Berry’ -cultivar of a hybrid having compact, spreading, arching form with blue-green

leaves and yellow flowers in early summer. Rose-pink fruit in fall which persist into winter. ‘Mother of Pearl’ -Large white fruit.

Site and Cultural Requirements: These species will grow in full sun or tolerate shade, but grow more densely with exposure to at least part-day sun. They are often mass-planted on steep slopes and are useful in soil erosion control. Symphoricarpos are tolerant of moist or dry soils, but prefer well-drained soil. They perform best if cut to the ground periodically in winter or spring to stimulate vigorous new growth and fruiting. Plantings benefit from nitrogen fertilization on poor soils and irrigation during extended dry periods.

Insect/Disease Issues: Anthracnose fungi may cause spotting of leaves or fruit discoloration. Numerous other insects and fungi may affect ornamental quality of the plants. Mildew affects white snowberry and Indiancurrant coralberry in some situations.

 

We would like to thank the Landscape Plant Development Center and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the botanical information and photos.

Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org