Description
Symphoricarpos – Snowberry – Coralberry –
There are about 17 deciduous shrubs, allied to Lonicera (honeysuckle), in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in woodlands and thickets and on prairies and plains in North and Central America with one that derives from Western China. They are grown for their spherical or ovoid, fleshy, white to pink, or dark blue or purple fruits, which last well into winter which stand out clearly in winter when the branches are bare. And for their tiny, bell or funnel shaped nectar rich, white to pink flowers, which attract bees. The spring borne flowers are borne singly or in terminal or axillary clusters, spikes, or dense racemes. The leaves are opposite, and are elliptical to nearly rounded sometime with a slightly glaucous coloration and downy undersides. They are very hardy, and tolerant of poor soil, pollution, and exposed sites. Good for a shrub border, screen, or informal hedge. Use S. x chenaultii ‘Hancock’ as a ground cover. Fruits may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, contact with them may irritate skin. Easily grown in any fertile, reasonably well drained soil in full sun or shade.
Prone to anthracnose and powdery mildew.
S. microphyllus – This upright shrub from Mexico grows 3-6′ feet tall and 2-4′ feet wide. From felted shoots it carries oval, blue green leaves, to 2 ½” long, with pointed tips, and are softly hairy beneath. In late summer, bears small, cup shaped white flowers, which are solitary in axillary pairs, or in short, terminal spikes, followed by spherical semi translucent, pink or white fruit, 3/8″ across.
Zones 8-10
