Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Best flowering and fruiting in full sun. Prune as needed in late winter to early spring. Plants tend to sucker.
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. Cultivars of this hybrid are sometimes listed as Dorenboos Group members. Dark green leaves appear on downy stems. Bell-shaped, pink to white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring of followed by showy white berries (each to 1/2” diameter) which are usually flushed pink on the side where each berry is exposed to direct sun.
Genus name comes from the Greek symphorein meaning bear together and karpos meaning fruit in reference to the fruits appearing in clusters.
Hybrid and common name are in reference to Dutch horticulturist G. A. Doorenbos who helped develop these hybrids in the 1940s.
'Kolmgala' is a compact, densely branched selection of Doorenbos coralberry that features upright to gently arching branches and showy, white berries. Mature plants will reach 2-3' tall with an equal spread. Terminal spikes of small, bell-shaped, pink flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. The round, creamy white, 0.5" wide berries fully ripen in late summer and persist on the plant into fall. Often sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name Galaxy. This plant is protected by patent number PP20912.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problem. Anthracnose, powdery mildew or scale may appear. Watch for aphids.
Uses
Shrub border, screen or hedge. Foundations. Naturalize in open woodland areas. Because of suckering habit, plants may be useful on slopes or banks. Suitable for use in fresh cut floral arrangements.