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    • Photo of Ardisia japonica foliage by Almost Eden

    Photo by Almost Eden

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    Ardisia japonica

    Also Known As

    • Japanese Ardisia
    • Marlberry
    • Variegated Japanese Ardisia

    Plant type

    shrub, groundcover

    size

    • H: 8"-10"
    • W: 24"-72"

    planting zones

    • 7a-11

    More Options

    Ardisia japonica plant details

    Ardisia japonica is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring pink flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Ardisia japonica

    Plant type: groundcover shrub
    Plant family: primulaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 24 IN - 72 IN - wide, 8 IN - 10 IN - tall
    Flowers: pink blooms in spring
    Uses: rare, serrated leaves, winter interest

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Ardisia japonica

    USDA Zones: 7a - 11
    Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
    Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Small clusters of bright red berries that ripened in fall remain through spring and provide color all winter long. Grow Ardisia indoors or out. This Ardisia is grown as a green groundcover and spreads by runners and seeds, usually reaching to only about 10 inches in height. This is a good choice for areas with high shade or morning sun. Plant it in a moist, fertile, well-drained soil, preferably in a protected location, as they are susceptible to freeze damage at temperatures below 20F. The berries are not particularly preferred by birds unless other food is not readily available. Few pests or diseases are of major concern.

    By: Almost Eden

    A fairly rare evergreen groundcover with 1/2" pink star-shaped flowers in spring followed by abundant red berries in the fall. The dark green leaves are heavily serrated on the edges. Spreads by underground runners. Prefers to not have foot traffic. Beautiful!

    By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

    Gardening facts about Ardisia japonica plant

    How to Grow Ardisia japonica

    • Sun Exposure

      • mostly sun - shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - regular

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • humidity tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • pink

    • Wildlife

      • birds
      • deer resistant

    • Fruit

      • red

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • glossy

    See other plant types of Ardisia for your garden

    Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen'

    aka Chirimen Marlberry

    Plant Type

    Groundcover

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 6"-8"

    Width: 24"-60"

    • bright shade - shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen' flower by Forestfarm
    View Plant

    Ardisia japonica 'Maiko'

    aka Ardisia japonica 'Dancing Girl', Dancing Girl Japanese Ardisia, Dancing Girl Marlberry

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Perennial, Groundcover

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 8"-12"

    Width: 24"-36"

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ardisia japonica 'Maiko' flower by Forestfarm
    View Plant

    Ardisia japonica 'Dragon Brocade'

    aka Dragon Brocade Japanese Ardisia, Dragon Brocade Marlberry, Dragon Brocade Variegated Ardisia

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Groundcover

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 12"-18"

    Width: 24"-60"

    • bright shade - shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ardisia japonica 'Dragon Brocade' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
    View Plant

    Ardisia japonica 'Variegata'

    aka Marlberry, Variegated Japanese Ardisia

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Groundcover

    Zones

    6a-11

    Size

    Height: 4"-10"

    Width: 12"-36"

    • bright shade - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ardisia japonica 'Variegata' by Patricia Cunningham
    View Plant

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    Ardisia crenata

    aka Ardisia crispa, Ardisia dielsii, Ardisia henryi, Ardisia henryi var. dielsii, Ardisia hortorum, Christmas Berry, Coral Bush, Coralberry, Coralberry Tree, Spiceberry

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8b-11

    Size

    Height: 3'-6'

    Width: 3'-6'

    • bright shade - shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ardisia crenata foliage, form, fruit by BotBin
    View Plant

    More Options

    +3 more Ardisia
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