Symphoricarpos albus
snowberry
An upright, deciduous shrub with oval leaves, which are sometimes coarsley lacerated around the edges. Clusters of small pink flowers followed by white fruit 1.5cm across. It spreads by suckering roots, so has the potential to become a nuisance if not maintained and should not be planted in or adjacent to the countryside
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | White | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- 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
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist fertile soil. This plant is tolerant of pollution and extreme conditions. Thicket forming and has potential to become a nuisance
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or 2, after flowering. When established, prune a third of older stems out annually
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.