Coral Berry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) : Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert

BLOOMS FOR THE SUMMER AND BERRIES AT CHRISTMAS

The Coral berry plant is also known as the Christmas berry because it produces bright red berries which last well past Xmas time.

What makes this a great plant is how it flowers during summer and then produces berries, making it a lively and attractive shrub. It’s a slow grower and fairly easy to grow, with the right attention and care.

Description

The coral berry is a shrub that grows with a single stem or possibly multiple stems – displaying branches of leathery oval-shaped leaves, which can be grown outdoors or indoors with the correct conditions.

Note for outdoor growers: Outdoors they are an invasive species (in the US south-east) and a pain for some growers because of how easily seedlings spread, the rate of success they germinate, and how they affect the understory of other plant species (more about the invasive side effects of the plant here if your planning to grow outdoors). In Florida, it has become a bit of a pest.

Right, back to growing indoors….

Flowering: This plant produces small clusters of white or very pale pink flowers which bloom from late spring to early summer. Once the flowers have bloomed they’re followed by clusters of red berries, which last for a fair few months. The flowers and berries appear within the midsection of the tree.

Foliage: As mentioned above the leaves grow on branches and form a single stem usually, although multiple stem plants can also grow. The glossy dark green serrated leaves which are oval shaped, grow to approximately 3 – 5 inches long and a couple of inches wide. Overall, the coral berry tree looks attractive with or without flowers and berries, especially if it’s pruned well.

Poisonous: I have found no supporting evidence that proves this plant is poisonous. However, its suggested by many that it is toxic to humans, livestock, and pets. I’m sure the leaves are to large for cats and dogs to even try consuming.

Displaying: The coral is a fine-looking species that looks great in a prominent position that will be noticed by yourself and visitors. Obviously, the conditions (light, temperature, etc.) need to be right. Also, great looking in a conservatory or hallway and grow well in greenhouses (although not seen much here).

Pruning: I would advise growers to prune the ardisia crenata during spring before the flowers begin budding. This will keep the tree at a reasonable size and allow the foliage to become a nice rounded full shape.

Facts

Thick Leathery Leaves

Coral Berry Plant Care

The coral berry “as you can see” – is easy enough for most indoor growers to add to their house plant collection and well worth the effort of providing them with care and attention.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.