Symphoricarpos, planting guide and care work

symphoricarpos care guide growing

Symphoricarpos is a small genus comprising about 15 species of shrubs in the Caprifoliaceae family. Most are native to North and Central America, Symphoricarpos sinensis being the only species originating in Western China.

There are shrubs that can reach a height of 2 m, with thin, vertical branches. The leaves are oval, almost round, simple or can be lobed at the base. The flowers are small, white-green, or pink and grow grouped in panicles of 5-15. The fruits are spherical, ovoid, white, pink, red, or dark purple berries in some species.

It is usually planted ornamentally in parks and gardens, in the form of hedges, but also as solitary specimens or in groups of bushes. The name of the genus comes from ancient Greek and means “fruits borne together”, referring to the arrangement of the fruit in racemes.

Species and varieties

Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry) is a species native to North America. It grows as a 1 m tall shrub, it has thin, vertical, slightly fuzzy branches. The leaves have an oval-rounded shape, with a pubescent underside. The flowers are very small (6 mm) and pink. The fruits develop in September-November, are spherical berries, white, 0.8-1.2 cm in size. They persist on the shrub until the winter season.

Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii is a vigorous shrub, which can reach a height of 2 m. It develops short, pubescent shoots. The leaves are oval, dark green. The fruits are large, 1-1.3 cm in size, and grow in clusters. They are white, with shades of pink.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a species native to North America and can reach a height of 1-2 m. It develops vertical, pubescent shoots. The leaves are oval, 2-4 cm in size, dark green, with a greenish-blue underside, pubescent. The flowers are very small (4 mm). The fruits are small, spherical, red-purple.

Environmental conditions

Light. They have no specific requirements, they grow both in bright and in shaded places (at the base of trees).

Temperature. It can easily withstand the temperate continental transitioning into an oceanic climate.

Soil. It grows well in almost any type of soil.

Care

Watering. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Fertilization. To stimulate abundant growth and fruiting, it is recommended to apply fertilizer for decorative shrubs.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Pruning. It withstands shape correction cuts in early spring before the vegetative growth period resumes. The cuts made in summer lead to a decrease in the number of fruits.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Diseases and pests. Very rarely, it can be affected by anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rot.

Planting

It can be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative dormancy period, at temperatures above 5° C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost. Be sure to purchase planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, the soil must be well-trodden and watered abundantly. After that, the soil has to be kept damp.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Propagation

Symphoricarpos shrubs can be easily propagated through lignified cuttings or by dividing the bush. Propagation through seeds is not recommended, as they require a layering period of 10 years.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • they are resistant to the polluted atmosphere in urban environments.
  • they are shrubs that produce numerous root suckers.
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