Genus Ardisia (Coralberry, Marlberry)

ar-DIS-ee-ah Common Name: Coralberry, Marlberry

The genus Ardisia includes 250 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that are grown for their whorled or spiralled leaves, their clusters of white or pink flowers, and their bright red fruits. They are native to moist woodland in tropical and warm-temperate areas of Asia, Australasia, and North and South America. A. japonica is a fundamental herb in Chinese medicine.
Noteworthy characteristics: Leaves in whorls or spirals; flat clusters of white or pink flowers; showy red fruits.
Care: Grow in a sheltered, shady site in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prune in mid- or late spring by trimming lightly.
Propagation: In spring, sow seed at 55°F. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: Susceptible to many fungal root rots, as well as a number of fungal stem and leaf diseases. Mealybugs can be a problem. Basal stem gall may occur when seeds germinate at excessively high temperatures.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ardisia

Ardisia crenata
(Coralberry, Spiceberry) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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This shrub produces abundant, long-lasting, coral-red to scarlet berries, which stand out against dark-green, glossy leaves.

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