About
Capparis spinosa is a low-growing, sprawling shrub that reaches up to 1 meter in height. It features round, grey-green leaves that can grow up to 4 centimeters in diameter. During the summer months, the plant produces flowers with four white petals encircling a cluster of stamens that may range from white to pink. The unopened flower buds are commonly preserved in vinegar or salt and are known as capers, while the elongated, olive-shaped fruits, referred to as caperberries, are also harvested and consumed.
About the genus
This genus comprises flowering shrubs or climbing plants often referred to as caper shrubs or caper bushes. The foliage consists of fleshy leaves, while the flowers range from white to pinkish-white. Both the flower buds, known as capers, and the fruit, called caper berries, are edible and are typically preserved through pickling.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- S Eurasia, Australia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra grit. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a high potash fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- See pruning group 6
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed soaked in warm water for 2-3 days prior to sowing, at a temperature of 18-21°C. Germination is slow and erratic
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free