Symphoricarpos orbiculatus 'Proud Berry' - Coralberry cultivar

Sizes available: 4 inch pot

Basics: zones 3-7, 3-4' x 3-4', full to part sun, (best flowering and berry set in full sun), bell-shaped flowers develop into light pink fruits over attractive, small, blue-green leaves in early fall. The fruits get a darker pink as the temperature drops. Not picky as to soil type, as long as well-drained and has average water needs.

Common names: This is a cultivar of Coralberry. Other common names are Buckbrush and Indian Currant

Synonyms: Symphoricarpos 'Sofie'

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Origin/Distribution: This Proven Winners cultivar was bred by Catharina Marie Hoekstra-Arisz in the Netherlands.

The species is native to the eastern United States from New York south to eastern Texas and west to South Dakota and Colorado

Habitat: The species prefers lightly shaded habitats and so I wonder if this cultivar can take more shade than advertised. I will keep you posted. In the wild Coralberry is found in dappled-shade woods and woodland openings, on stream and river banks, and in thickets. 

More: Coralberry is deer resistant. This shrub blooms on new wood, can take aggressive pruning, and makes an excellent cut for flower, foliage, and berry. I am adding it to my garden as part of my cut flower ramp-up/multiflora rose displacement program along with many other shrubs, both Maine natives and "nice visitors from away". The species has been used medicinally. The wood can be processed into charcoal and used for tattooing. 

Nursery: Spring Meadow

Image credit: Proven Winners via Spring Meadow Nursery