The Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos alba) is a beautiful deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its clusters of delicate pink flowers that bloom in summer and showy white berries that appear in fall and persist into winter.
A favorite among wildlife gardeners, the Snowberry provides food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies, while its compact growth habit makes it excellent for borders, hedgerows, or erosion control on slopes. It thrives in a variety of soil types and tolerates both sun and partial shade, making it a low-maintenance, resilient ornamental shrub.
Features
- 🌸 Attractive Blooms: Clusters of soft pink, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer.
- ❄️ Decorative Berries: Pure white berries that last through fall and winter.
- 🐦 Wildlife Friendly: Provides nectar for pollinators and berries for birds.
- 🌿 Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerates cold, drought, and poor soils once established.
- 🪴 Landscape Versatility: Ideal for naturalized areas, slopes, and mixed shrub borders.
Specifications
- Common Name: Common Snowberry
- Scientific Name: Symphoricarpos alba
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- USDA Zones: 3 – 7
- Mature Height: 3 – 6 ft (0.9 – 1.8 m)
- Spread: 3 – 6 ft (0.9 – 1.8 m)
- Flowers: Pink to pale rose, bell-shaped
- Fruits: Round white berries (non-edible)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Cold stratify seeds for 90 days to improve germination.
- Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep.
- Germination Time: 30–90 days (may vary with temperature).
- Planting Location: Choose a site with full sun or partial shade.
- Spacing: 3–5 feet apart for hedges or borders.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings are established.
- Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Care Tips
- Grows well in both moist and dry soils.
- Prune in late winter to encourage dense growth.
- Tolerates light frost and urban conditions.
- Avoid overwatering once established.