Ardisia crispa

RHS Plant Profile
Christmas berry

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Christmas berry RHS
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Shrubs

A compact evergreen shrub to 1.2m but usually less, the dark green, elliptic-oblong leaves with neatly crenate margins. Small pinkish flowers in panicles, followed by long-lasting red berries

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
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
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 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

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