Snowberry

Care

• With a sharp knife or pruning shears, cut 3 to 5 centimetres off the stem.
• Remove excess leaves and berries so they do not hang in the water.
• Put the branches in clean tap water in a clean vase.
• Beware of berries that have fallen off the stem, they may stain.

Colours and shapes

The snowberry is bunches of berries on a woody stem, like pearls on the end of a chain. The berries sometimes have a pearly sheen and come in white hence the name, various shades of pink or purple-red. They bloom in the second half of the year, so there is a good chance that you will see the snowberry at the florist's during this period. The scientific name is Symphoricarpos.

Symbolism

The name of the genus is derived from the Ancient Greek translations of the words 'bear together' and 'fruit'. It refers to the densely packed bunches of berries that the species produces. There is a beautiful symbolism attached to this, such as a sweet partnership or someone who is always there for you!

Origin

Snowberries grow on shrubs originating in North America. These shrubs belong to the honeysuckle family, or Caprifoliaceae. The berries are sometimes called huckleberries, because they explode when you shoot them through a blowpipe. Something we advise against, of course. The white berries are also poisonous, so put them in a vase and keep them away from your mouth.