Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

coralberry

S. orbiculatus is a bushy deciduous shrub with dark green, ovate leaves and small white or pinkish flowers in late summer, followed by dark purplish fruit

Other common names
coral berry
Indian currant
Synonyms
Symphoricarpos vulgaris

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
United States

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most reasonably moist, fertile soil. Tolerant of pollution and all but the most extreme conditions. Fruits most freely after a hot summer

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Rooted suckers can be transplanted in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 2

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildews, rust diseases, stem galls and honey fungus (rarely)

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.