Maintenance Landscaping Design

Common snowberry is a small deciduous shrub, typically growing to 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate to elliptical, 5–30 mm (0.20–1.18 in) long and 3–25 mm (0.12–0.98 in) broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small and white, borne in umbellate clusters 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) diameter in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a white drupe 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) diameter, ripening in late summer to autumn and often persisting into winter.

Also known as

• Symphoricarpos albus
  
• American twinberry
  
• Buckbrush
  
• Coralberry
  
• Snowberry bush

Things to Know

• Common snowberry is a low-growing shrub that is native to North America.
  
• It is a member of the Ericaceae family, which includes other well-known plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas.
  
• Common snowberry typically grows to between 1 and 2 feet in height.
  
• It has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring or summer.
  
• The plant's fruits are small, white berries that are popular with birds and other wildlife.
  
• Common snowberry is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  
• It is relatively easy to grow and care for.
  
• Common snowberry is tolerant of a range of environmental conditions, including shade and drought.
  
• It can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• Common snowberry can be susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.

Related plant:
Common Shrubs

How to Grow

1. For common snowberry, first step is to select a site. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
   
2. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter prior to planting.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface.
   
5. Fill in the hole with soil, and lightly compact.
   
6. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
   
7. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stem.
   
8. Common snowberry will need to be pruned annually to shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
   
9. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
10. Snowberry is a low maintenance plant, and does not require much additional care.

Related plant:
Common Purple Lilac

Soil Condition

About soil condition, common snowberry grows in many different soil types including clay, sand, loam, and organic matter. The soil should be moist but well-drained, and the plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is tolerant of drought and can even grow in saline (salty) soils.

About light

So, like the other plants, sun light is a requirement for the common snowberry to grow. The common snowberry needs at least six hours of sunlight everyday in order to photosynthesize and create its own food. When the plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become unhealthy and eventually die.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the common snowberry to thrive is a temperature that is cool but not too cold. This shrub is native to North America and can be found in woodlands and forest edges. It prefers a humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. However, it can tolerate low humidity conditions down to 30%. The plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this plant loves root fertilization in early spring. Apply a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at the rate of 1 lb. per 100 sq. ft. of plantings. If you have heavy clay soil, you may want to consider applying 1/2 the recommended amount of fertilizer and working it into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning common snowberry is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune away up to one-third of the plant if needed. Cut back any stems that are weak or damaged, and remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems.

About Propagating

Propagation for common snowberry is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and placed in a well-drained potting mix. The mix should be kept moist but not wet and the cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 20 centimeters per year. However, under the best conditions, they can grow up to 30 centimeters per year. The plant's growth is determined by the amount of water and nutrients available, as well as the amount of sunlight it receives.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are usually related to too much water. The plants can get root rot if they are watered too often, or if the soil does not drain well. They can also get leaf spot, or stem rot if the stem is wet for too long.

List to Know

• If you want to grow common snowberry, plant the seeds in moist soil in full sun to partial shade.
  
• The ideal time to plant common snowberry seeds is in late spring or early summer.
  
• Make sure the planting site has good drainage.
  
• Water the soil regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.
  
• Fertilize the plants once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune the plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Common snowberry plants are relatively pest and disease resistant.
  
• Harvest the berries when they are ripe, which is typically in late summer or early fall.
  
• The berries can be eaten fresh or used in pies, jams, and other recipes.
  
• You can also dry or freeze the berries for long-term storage.

Similar Plants

• American snowberry, Symphoricarpos occidentalis.
  
• Rhus ovata, Rhus trilobata, Rhus trilobata, common snowberry.
  
• Common snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus.
  
• White snowberry, Symphoricarpos racemosus.
  
• Coralberry, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus.
  
• Symphoricarpos corymbosus, Symphoricarpos corymbosus, common snowberry.
  
• Indian currant, Symphoricarpos rotundifolius.
  
• Mountain currant, Symphoricarpos oreophilus.
  
• Creeping snowberry, Symphoricarpos mollis.
  
• Wax currant, Symphoricarpossylvaticus.

Source:
Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)-Hort Answers
Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry) - University of Washington
Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) - Selecting Shrubs …