Copperberry
symphoricarpos orbiculatus
Also known as: ["Copperberry","Coralberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers and persistent, bright pink to purple berries.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Symphoricarpos |
| Botanical Name: | Symphoricarpos orbiculatus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or naturalized area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade but may produce fewer berries.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. For indoor placement, provide bright indirect light or supplemental grow lights.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch in summer; adjust placement if leaves yellow or burn; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH if growth is poor.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; discontinue in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire stems at the base; selective heading back for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage berry production, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers (for thicker stems), pruning saw (for large branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting is necessary.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage holes; gently tease out roots if pot-bound.
Suggestions
Generally not required unless grown in containers. Outdoor plants rarely need repotting.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil mix; trim damaged roots; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat; slow growth or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may experience dieback or delayed spring growth if exposed to extreme cold without adequate hardiness.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites; use frost cloth in extreme cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and berry drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this plant is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Symphoricarpos orbiculatus berries. The berries contain compounds that can irritate the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Symphoricarpos orbiculatus berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxicity is generally low, but large quantities may cause more pronounced symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSymphoricarpos orbiculatus, commonly known as coralberry, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The berries are the primary toxic part, though the effects are generally not severe unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Symphoricarpos orbiculatus require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though it prefers some shade in hotter climates.
Q: Are the berries of Symphoricarpos orbiculatus edible?
A: The berries are not typically consumed by humans due to a lack of palatability, though they are enjoyed by birds.
Q: How fast does Symphoricarpos orbiculatus grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing shrub, typically reaching 3–6 feet in height and spread within a few years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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