Symphoricarpos doorenbosii Magical Galaxy

The Symphoricarpos 'Magical Galaxy' (Kolmgala) is a new variety of snowberry that is particularly floriferous and fruitful, with a compact habit, perfect for adding a touch of magic to the garden or even to the terrace, from late summer to winter. A discreet white flowering is followed by a profusion of large round berries, beautiful like pearls, gathered in clusters on the branches. 'Magical Galaxy' will inevitably find its place in the garden: in a small free hedge, in a large bed of plants, or even on a slope or in the shade of large trees. This adorable snowberry can also be displayed in a large pot on the balcony to be admired, animated by the constant ballet of birds, nice and warm behind a window.

The Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii is a plant from the caprifoliaceae family resulting from the cross-breeding between the Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, native to the eastern Rocky Mountains in the U.S.A, and the S.chenaultii, a hybrid of horticultural origin. All these plants are perfectly resistant to cold and have quite remarkable adaptation capabilities: they are easy to grow in all European regions and tolerate a wide range of soils.

'Magical Galaxy' is part of a series of recent hybrids, selected in the Netherlands for their generous fruiting. It is a deciduous shrub with slightly suckering stump, of rapid growth. Reaching approximately 1.50 m (5ft) in height and 1 m (3ft) in width at maturity, it spreads laterally by suckers. Its habit is generally rounded, dense and compact, supported by erect, well-branched stems that arch over time. The foliage, deciduous, emerges in spring and falls in autumn. It is composed of small ovate leaves measuring 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2 in) long. Dark green on the upper side, they are lighter on the underside and turn yellow before falling. The flowering, inconspicuous to human eyes, attracts pollinating insects. It takes place in May-June, in the axils of the leaves, in the form of clusters of small white bells. After pollination, they give way from August onwards to round and spongy fruits measuring 1.5 to 2 cm (1 in) in diameter, pure white. These berries, which contribute to the beauty of the shrub, often persist until December. Non-edible for humans, they are, however, appreciated by birds and game.

This 'Magical Galaxy' snowberry is a resistant and extremely hardy shrub, capable of adapting to many growing conditions and regions, including the medium mountains or the harshness of the Mediterranean summer when planted in shade. It easily integrates into a free hedge or a large shrub bed in a garden that leaves room for nature. Many other deciduous or evergreen shrubs with flowers or berries will accompany it: spireas, viburnums, lilacs, shrubby honeysuckles, cotoneaster, elaeagnus, botanical roses, euonymus, ornamental cherries and apples, hawthorns, Berberis... You can even grow the 'Magical Galaxy' snowberry in a pot on your terrace. Its branches loaded with fruit can also be used to make beautiful autumn bouquets.