shrub RHS AwardN. America Native

Hancock Coralberry

Symphoricarpos chenaultii 'Hancock'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

18 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20+ years

Native To

Hybrid of North American species

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Symphoricarpos, commonly known as snowberry or coralberry, are tough, adaptable deciduous shrubs native to North America, primarily grown for their decorative clusters of berries in fall and winter. 'Hancock' is a low-growing, wide-spreading cultivar that excels as a groundcover. It roots where its stems touch the ground, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat, and produces attractive pinkish-red berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

While the summer flowers are small, the main show is the clusters of attractive pinkish-red berries that adorn the arching stems from fall into winter. They provide welcome color after most plants have faded.

Its primary use is as a functional groundcover for difficult areas. It is excellent for stabilizing soil on slopes, covering large areas with minimal care, and thriving in dry shade where few other plants will grow.

The small flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. The berries, while mildly toxic to humans, are an important winter food source for birds like robins and grouse, as well as other wildlife.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose any site from full sun to deep shade.
This plant is not fussy about soil type, but avoid waterlogged spots.
Dig a hole slightly wider than the pot.
Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with soil and water to settle.
Space plants 3-5 feet apart for groundcover use.

Pro Tip

Plant it on a hillside or bank where its spreading nature is an asset for erosion control and its low-maintenance needs shine.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water occasionally during its first year to get established.
Allow it to spread naturally to form a dense colony.
Prune hard every few years if rejuvenation is needed.
Plant it where its toughness can solve a landscape problem.

Don't

Do not plant in a confined perennial bed where its spreading will be a nuisance.
Avoid overwatering once established; it is very drought tolerant.
Do not fertilize; it thrives in poor soil.
Don't worry about pests or diseases; it is largely untroubled.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tough groundcover for erosion control on slopesLow-maintenance mass planting for difficult sitesUnderplanting for large trees and shrubs

Companion Plants

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' Cornus sericea Viburnum trilobum Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia' Geranium macrorrhizum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hancock Coralberry questions

What zones can Hancock Coralberry grow in?

Hancock 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 Hancock Coralberry deer resistant?

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

When does Hancock Coralberry bloom?

Hancock 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 Hancock Coralberry need full sun?

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

Is Hancock Coralberry drought tolerant?

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