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ARDISIA crenata

Image of Ardisia crenata

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Myrsinaceae

Botanical Name

ARDISIA crenata

Plant Common Name

Coralberry

General Description

This Asian native is a small tender evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, serrated leaves. Fragrant white to pinkish flowers appear in late spring and early summer, followed by showy drooping clusters of red berries that remain on the plant through much of the winter.

This shrub requires little maintenance in partial shade and humus-rich, well drained, acid soil. It adds vivid color to shady gardens and greenhouses in winter. Use it as a tall groundcover, in the foundation planting, or as a potted plant. It may self-sow prolifically and is considered invasive in Florida, the Seychelles, and other areas.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m (4)

  • Width

    2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Yes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes