Coral berry (Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii 'Kordes' AMETHYST)
Low-maintenance Coral berry (Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii 'Kordes' AMETHYST) is a deciduous shrub famous for vibrant purple-pink berries persisting into winter.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST, commonly known as Coral berry, is a standout deciduous shrub valued for its exceptional late-season color display. While its summer flowers are modest, this cultivar truly shines when the abundant, globose, deep purple-pink berries ripen in the fall. The vivid fruit of Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST often persists well into winter, providing crucial visual interest long after other foliage has dropped.
This hybrid coralberry is remarkably adaptable, thriving in an average of USDA Zones 3 through 7. It maintains an easily managed size, typically reaching 3 to 5 feet high and wide, making it excellent for defined spaces or as informal hedges. Beyond aesthetics, its low maintenance requirements and adaptability make the Coral berry a practical choice for problem areas in the landscape.
Gardeners appreciate the hardiness of this selection, noting its resistance to many common pests and diseases. Use Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST where you need reliable texture, low investment in care, and incredible late-autumn and winter berry persistence.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Greenish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Coral berry during the dormant seasons—fall or early spring—to allow the root system to establish before summer heat. It prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to various soil types. For the most prolific flowering and vibrant berry production, ensure Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST receives full sun exposure, though it tolerates part shade well.
Maintenance for this shrub is generally low once established. Water mediumly, ensuring consistent moisture, especially during dry periods in the first season. Fertilizing is rarely necessary unless the soil is extremely poor. A key consideration is pruning: trim as needed in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or remove crossing branches.
Be aware that the Coral berry has a tendency to sucker, sending up new shoots from the base or roots. This habit makes it excellent for bank stabilization but requires consistent monitoring if you desire a tight, formal outline. If you plan to use Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST as a natural screen, allow these suckers to develop to form a dense thicket.
Landscape Uses
The dense, mounding habit of Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST makes it an ideal candidate for foundational plantings, provided room is allowed for its spreading nature. Its low maintenance and soil adaptability also suit it perfectly for use in shrub borders where it can transition between flowering perennials and larger background specimens.
Due to its ability to form a thicket and its strong root system, the Coral berry serves admirably in areas needing erosion control, such as gentle slopes or banks. Consider mass-planting these shrubs to create an informal screen or hedge where privacy and winter structure are desired assets. When placing it near foundations, ensure adequate space for its 3-5 foot spread.
While the primary ornamental value is the fruit, the dark green foliage provides a reliable backdrop for brighter colored flowers planted nearby. It works well alongside other robust, low-care shrubs that also exhibit good fall interest.
Flower Qualities
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii, commonly known as Doorenbos coralberry, is a hybrid, thicket-forming shrub which typically matures to 6’ tall. Parents are S. Albus var. Laevigatus, S. Orbiculatus, and S. × chenaultii. Dark green leaves appear on downy stems, followed by tiny, greenish-white flowers in short racemes that bloom in early summer. This cultivar, ‘Kordes’ (sold as AMETHYST), is celebrated for its abundant, globose, deep purple-pink berries, usually reaching 1/2” diameter, which ripen in September and often persist into winter. The genus name references the fruit appearing in showy clusters, a trait beautifully exemplified by the Coral berry.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
Potential Problems
Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST is generally resistant to severe pest and disease issues, lending to its low maintenance ranking. However, gardeners should remain observant for potential minor fungal issues like powdery mildew or anthracnose, particularly in areas with restricted air circulation or high humidity. Scale insects can occasionally infest stems, and aphids may appear in early spring. Good cultural practices, such as ensuring proper spacing and pruning in late winter, will minimize these risks and help the Coral berry thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral berry suitable for?
The Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST Coral berry is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 7.
How large does Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST grow?
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 3 to 5 feet, with a similar spread of 3 to 5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Coral berry need?
For optimal performance, Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST performs best in full sun, though it will readily tolerate partial shade conditions.
When does Coral berry bloom?
The flowers appear between June and July, offering small, greenish-white blooms before the characteristic berry show begins.
Conclusion
The Coral berry, Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST, offers unmatched winter color with its stunning display of purple-pink fruit on an otherwise unassuming green shrub. Its low maintenance profile and adaptability to various soil conditions make it an essential component for reliable, four-season landscape interest. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 3-7 and plan for its tendency to sucker when selecting its final placement.
Companion Planting
When integrating the Coral berry into your garden design, pairing it with plants that complement its late-season interest or contrast its foliage texture works well. Consider using fine-textured ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ nearby; the upright habit of the grass contrasts nicely with the mounding Coral berry, and both enjoy similar sun exposures. For fall color, planting near late-blooming Asters or Sedum varieties ensures continuous visual appeal right up until the Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii ‘Kordes’ AMETHYST berries truly take center stage.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the best time for structural work; prune back any winter damage or thin out interior growth now, before new leaves fully emerge. As summer progresses, ensure medium watering, especially in full sun locations; supplemental watering is usually unnecessary if the plant is established in average soil. In fall, let the branches remain untouched, relying on the stunning berry display of the Coral berry to brighten the landscape. Winter protection is typically not needed in its hardy zones, but pruning established suckers once a year helps manage its spread.
