The Coralberry Shrub (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), also known as Indian Currant or Buckbrush, is a stunning deciduous shrub native to North America. This adaptable plant is best known for its masses of pink to coral-colored berries that persist through winter, adding color and life to your garden even in the coldest months.
In summer, small bell-shaped white to pink flowers appear, attracting bees and butterflies. By autumn, the blooms are replaced with clusters of bright pink berries loved by birds and wildlife. Its dense branching and attractive foliage make it ideal for hedgerows, erosion control, and native restoration projects.
Features
- 🌸 Beautiful Blooms: Small white-pink flowers in summer.
- 🍒 Vibrant Berries: Coral-pink fruits add winter color.
- 🐦 Wildlife Magnet: Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.
- 🌿 Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils.
- 🌳 Native Beauty: Excellent for natural landscapes and slopes.
- 🌎 Non-GMO Seeds: Naturally grown and untreated.
Specifications
- Common Name: Coralberry / Indian Currant / Buckbrush
- Scientific Name: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- USDA Zones: 2 – 7
- Mature Height: 2 – 5 ft (0.6 – 1.5 m)
- Spread: 4 – 8 ft (1.2 – 2.4 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Loamy, clay, or sandy
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Fruit Season: Fall to winter
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Foliage: Green leaves turning yellow in fall
- Wildlife Value: High – berries for birds, flowers for pollinators
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Spring or fall.
- Seed Preparation: Stratify in moist sand for 60–90 days at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Soil Mix: Well-drained soil with compost or native garden soil.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.
- Germination Time: 4–8 weeks after stratification.
- Transplanting: Move to permanent location once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall.
- Spacing: 3–6 ft apart for naturalized groupings or hedgerows.
Care Tips
- Tolerates drought once established.
- Prune after berrying to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Great for slopes and erosion control areas.
- Can be sheared or left to grow naturally for a wild look.
