Snowberry - a low maintenance front yard shrub that hares don't eat!

Due to the four large spruce trees in my front yard, I've been having some trouble finding some low-maintenance shrubs that will tolerate the shade and dryness in this area without a lot of babying.  I've also lost several shrubs to the local hare population in the past. 

So, when I decided to try Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus (Snowberry) this spring, I bought only two with the intention to get at least one more if the shrubs lasted through their first year without getting nibbled to the ground by the local "wildlife".

I'm happy to report that the hares haven't touched them! 

Snowberries have roundish, blue-green leaves on arching thing stems, and will eventually get to about 5 ft tall.  They bloom with small, white flowers in mid spring and produce white berries in early autumn.  They are drought-tolerant once established and do well in low light conditions and infertile soils (hence why I tried them near my spruce trees).  Unfortunately, the birds do not like their berries, but I have heard of people using branch cuttings with berries for seasonal decorations so I will try that in the future once my shrubs are bigger.

Snowberries do sucker a little but they are easy to control and they make great informal hedges (i.e. don't require pruning i.e. low maintenance!) if you have the space. 

Comments

[Allison]

Good to know...esp. since I think there are more rabbits than people on my block!

[Christine B.]

I've haven't had much luck with shrubbery under the spruce trees. Just one little Physocarpus Coppertina grudgingly holding court. I'll have to give Symphiocarpus a try.

Christine in Alaska

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Christine,
Please note that I said "near" the spruce trees, not "under" them. Big difference - I don't try to plant anything under them! But with 4 large spruce trees in my front yard, even directly beside the dripline of one of the trees is a pretty dry, shady place.
Janice