Symphoricarpos orbiculatus 'Proud Berry'

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".

Nursery: Spring Meadow

Image credit: Proven Winners via Spring Meadow Nursery