About
Ardisia crispa is a small evergreen shrub, typically reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters, although it often remains shorter. Its foliage consists of dark green, elliptic-oblong leaves that feature distinct crenate edges. The plant produces small pinkish flowers arranged in panicles, which are succeeded by durable red berries.
About the genus
Ardisia comprises evergreen shrubs or perennial plants characterized by their simple, narrow, or leathery dark green foliage. They produce clusters of small, pink star-shaped flowers in the axils, which are later succeeded by red berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Indonesia and Philippines to India, S China, Japan
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added horticultural grit in bright filtered light. When in growth water freely and apply balanced fertiliser liquid fertiliser monthly. Water moderately at other times. In summer ensure good ventilation or place outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Shelter from midday sun. Best overwintered at about 7°C (45°F) though it may tolerate lower temperatures
- Pruning
- Pruning group 9 in spring
- Propagation
- Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Propagate by seed in spring; germinate at 13°C (55°F)
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free