Symplocos paniculata

The Symplocos paniculata is a rare bush of Asian origin. With medium growth, it reaches 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) in height at maturity and about 4 m (13ft) wide, producing magnificent deep blue berries in autumn after flowering in white panicles in late spring. Its deciduous foliage turns beautiful autumn colours. Very hardy, it prefers acidic to neutral, moist, and well-drained soils in sun or partial shade.

The Symplocos paniculata belongs to the family Symplocaceae, of which it is the only genus. This bush is native to China, Japan, northern Myanmar, and southern Korea, where it can be found up to 2,500 meters (8 feet) above sea level. In its natural habitat, it can reach up to 6 m (20ft) in height. In our environment, it forms a bushy and spreading habit with low branching or multiple stems. Its foliage is deciduous, reaching 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) in height at maturity. Its medium green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, veined, finely dentate, measuring on average 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width and 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) in length. Its fragrant flowers, hermaphroditic, cream white in colour, are small (2 to 3 cm (1in) in length) and arranged in panicles. They bloom in May and June. From September-October to December, they are followed by drupes with a diameter of 3 to 8 mm (1in), of a beautiful shiny blue colour. They are edible and can be cooked and used in jellies or sauces. The seeds are used to extract oil, which is used in cooking in certain regions of China. Birds are fond of them. The bark of the bush is grey and channelled. Although the species is hermaphroditic, pollination requires the presence of two distinct plants.

Symplocos paniculata does not appreciate limestone soils. It prefers humus-bearing, well-drained, moist to wet soils. Plant it in its preferred conditions alongside blue-flowered Hydrangeas or acid-loving shrubs such as Pieris and Chinese Azaleas. In an ecological garden for birds, consider other berry-bearing shrubs, such as Callicarpa. Plant it in groups of several specimens in front of a shrub grove. When not pruned, it forms an effective screen but is leafless in winter.