shrubN. America Native

Coralberry

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a low-growing, suckering deciduous shrub native to the eastern and central United States. It is known for its extreme toughness and clusters of persistent berries. The most prominent feature is the profusion of berry-like drupes that ripen to a coral-pink or purplish-red in fall. These berries persist on the arching, leafless stems well into winter, providing excellent cold-season interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Coralberry's main show is in autumn and winter, when its arching stems are laden with clusters of pinkish-purple berries. These berries persist long after the leaves have dropped, providing color and texture against a snowy landscape.

Its suckering, colony-forming habit and tolerance for poor, dry soils make it an outstanding choice for erosion control on slopes and banks. It's a true 'workhorse' shrub for difficult, low-maintenance areas.

The berries are an important late-season food source for birds like robins and quail, especially when other foods are scarce. The small flowers attract native bees, and the dense thickets provide excellent cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose any site from full sun to shade with average to poor soil.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water to settle.
This plant is very tough and requires little care after planting.
Allow it to sucker and form a thicket, or remove suckers to maintain a clump.

Pro Tip

For a tidy appearance, prune the entire shrub back to about 6 inches from the ground every 2-3 years in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it to cover banks and slopes for erosion control.
Plant it where its winter berries can be appreciated.
Allow it to naturalize in informal garden areas.
Prune hard in late winter to encourage dense, new growth.

Don't

Don't plant in a formal, tidy border unless you plan to remove suckers regularly.
Avoid planting in constantly wet, boggy conditions.
Don't worry about fertilizing; it thrives in poor soil.
Do not eat the berries; they can cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent for naturalizing and bank stabilizationWinter interest in native plant gardensLow-maintenance filler for difficult, dry sites

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' Echinacea purpurea Solidago speciosa Cornus sericea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coralberry questions

What zones can Coralberry grow in?

Coralberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coralberry deer resistant?

Yes — Coralberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coralberry bloom?

Coralberry typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coralberry need full sun?

Coralberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coralberry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coralberry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.