Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ardisia can be evergreen shrubs or perennials, with simple, thin or leathery dark green leaves, axillary clusters of small pinkish star-shaped flowers followed by red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Indonesia and Philippines to India, S China, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loam-based compost such John Innes No. 3 with added horticultural grit or perlite 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
Propagation
Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Propagate by seed in spring; germinate at 13°C (55°F)
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 9 in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.