How to Grow Symphoricarpos - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Symphoricarpos is a genus of plants in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to North America. The genus includes five species of deciduous shrubs, commonly known as snowberries, waxberries, or ghostberries. The shrubs are characterized by opposite, simple leaves and showy white or pinkish flowers. The fruit is a white, pink, or red berry.

How to Grow Symphoricarpos - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Coralberry
  • Indian Currant
  • Wolfberry
  • Mountain (or Highbush) Cranberry
  • Aronia

Things to Know

  • Symphoricarpos is a genus of shrubs native to North America.
  • The genus includes 20–25 species, depending on the classification system used.
  • The common name for symphoricarpos is "snowberry".
  • The leaves of symphoricarpos are simple and opposite, and the stems are often red.
  • The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a bright red berry.
  • Symphoricarpos is a popular ornamental plant, and several cultivars have been developed.
  • Symphoricarpos is also used in traditional medicine, and the berries are sometimes eaten as a food.
  • Symphoricarpos is considered to be a weed in some parts of the world.
  • Symphoricarpos is potentially toxic to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities.
  • Symphoricarpos is a member of the family Caprifoliaceae, which also includes plants such as honeysuckle and viburnum.

Planting Process

  1. For symphoricarpos, first step is to have a clean and well-drained planting site.
  2. Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm).
  3. Mix in a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
  4. Symphoricarpos should be planted in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
  5. Space plants 4 to 6 feet (2 to 8 m) apart.
  6. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding them.
  7. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping gently as you go.
  8. Water the plant well after planting.
  9. Apply a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  10. Water symphoricarpos plants regularly during the first growing season to help them establish.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, it is best to start with the type of soil that is present in an area. The most common types of soil are sand, loam, and clay. Each type of soil has different characteristics that make it more or less ideal for different types of plants. For example, sand is made up of very small particles and does not retain moisture well, making it less ideal for plants that need a lot of water. Loam is a mix of sand, clay, and organic matter and is considered the most ideal type of soil because it drains well and retains nutrients and moisture. Clay is made up of very small particles that compact together, making it more difficult for roots to penetrate and requiring more water to keep plants healthy.

Light condition

Just like other plants, the sun light requirements for symphoricarpos are pretty simple. This species needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day in order to grow and thrive. If you live in an area with long summer days, you won't have to worry about giving your plant enough light. However, if you live in a place with shorter days, you may need to supplement the natural light with some artificial light.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the (Symphoricarpos) is largely determined by the amount of (sunlight) that the plant receives. In general, (Symphoricarpos) prefer (warm) temperatures and plenty of (sunlight). However, there are some species of (Symphoricarpos) that can tolerate (cooler) temperatures and (shade). When grown in the proper temperature conditions, (Symphoricarpos) will thrive and produce an abundance of (fruit).

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%.It can grow in 50 to 60% humidity, but not in 40% or below. Symphoricarpos is a plant that requires a specific level of humidity to prosper. The ideal level of humidity for this plant is 50%. it can grow in conditions of 50 to 60% humidity, but will not survive in areas of 40% humidity or below. For best results, keep your symphoricarpos plant in an environment that closely resembles its ideal growth conditions.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is important to the health of the root system. Root systems are the key to a plant's ability to uptake water and nutrients from the soil. If the roots are not healthy, the plant will not be able to access the nutrients it needs to grow.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your symphoricarpos healthy and happy. By pruning away dead or damaged branches, you allow new growth to flourish. Not only does this keep your plant looking its best, but it also helps to promote a healthier overall plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Symphoricarpos, also known as snowberry, is a easy plant to propagate. With the right tools and knowledge, propagation can be done by anyone. To propagate symphoricarpos, take a softwood cutting from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cutting should be 4-6 inches long, and should have at least 2-3 leaves. Cut just below a leaf node, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight, and mist regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In 4-8 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and new growth should appear. At that point, you can transplant the plant to a permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate measurements are done on the shoots, and not the roots. The roots of symphoricarpos usually grow at a depth of around 6 inches. The average diameter of the roots is about 0.5 inches. The root length and shoot length are usually about the same.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, blackberry borer, and crown gall. Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken, dark areas on the stems. The blackberry borer is a beetle that bores into the canes, causing them to wilt and die. Crown gall is a bacterial disease that causes galls, or tumor-like growths, on the roots and lower stems. These problems can be controlled by pruning out infected areas, applying fungicide to canker lesions, and applying insecticide to the base of the plant to control the blackberry borer.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant symphoricarpos in an area that receives full sun.
  • Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter.
  • Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
  • Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  • Tamp down the soil gently and water deeply.
  • Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize symphoricarpos once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant as needed to keep it growing well.
  • Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
  • Enjoy the beautiful berries that symphoricarpos produces!

Similar Plants

  • Symphoricarpos abrotanifolius
  • Symphoricarpos alternifolius
  • Symphoricarpos americanus
  • Symphoricarpos albus
  • Symphoricarpos boliviensis
  • Symphoricarpos chenaultii
  • Symphoricarpos dawsonii
  • Symphoricarpos ferrisiae
  • Symphoricarpos floridanus
  • Symphoricarpos fremontii

Source:
Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry) - University of Washington
Snowberry - The North Creek Wetland - UW Bothell - uwb.edu
Symphoricarpos - Genus Page - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category