Ardisia

( ar - DISS - ee- uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Ardisia, also known as Marlberry, Christmas Berry or Coralberry, is a genus of shrubs, trees, and subshrubs. Species are native to the Americas, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, and are valued for their attractive greenery and red berries that last through the winter months. Use Ardisia shrubs in woodland gardens, in shaded or partly shaded beds, as groundcover, as specimens, or as hedge or privacy plants. The berries and foliage are not edible, and are in fact toxic to pets, humans, and livestock, so take care when planting these shrubs in your yard.

Ardisia Species and Varietals

The genus Ardisia includes about 700 species, and is part of the Primrose plant family, Primulaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek word meaning 'to point', referring to the pointed anthers produced by flowers. The best growing zones for Ardisia vary depending on the species; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ardisia crenata (Ardesia crenulata, Ardisia crispa) (Australian Holly, Christmas Berry, Coral Berry, Spiceberry, Hen's Eyes, Coral Ardisia)
These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 7-11 or Sunset growing zones 15-24 and H1/H2. They can also be grown as indoor specimens. Shrubs reach 4 feet tall and a little less wide, though when grown indoors typically only grow to 1.5 feet tall and form a single-stemmed plant. Clusters of tiny white or pinkish flowers bloom in the springtime. Leaves are shiny, wavy-edged, and about three inches long. This species is considered invasive in certain regions of the southeastern United States, including Florida.

Ardisia crispa (Japanese Holly)
This species of Ardisia is native to the Himalayas, southern China, Indochina, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, and is an introduced species that has naturalized in Australia. These evergreen perennial shrubs reach up to 5 feet tall when mature, and are often sold as garden ornamentals. This species is best in USDA growing zones 6-9.

Ardisia elliptica (Shoebutton Ardisia, Duck's Eyes, Coralberry, Tagpo, Mata Pelandok, Seashore Ardisia)
These plants are native to the western coast of India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They are considered invasive in many parts of the world due to their prolific reproductive capacity. These tropical understory shrubs reach up to 16 feet tall and produce light pink flowers. Berries that follow emerge red and mature to deep purple or black. Pulp has the potential to stain skin and clothing. Best in USDA zones 8-10.

Ardisia humilis (Jet Berry, Dwarf Ardisia, Low-Growing Ardisia, Low Shoebutton, Low Shoebutton Ardisia)
This species is native to southern China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and grows well in USDA zones 9-12. It forms evergreen shrubs that reach between 3 and 7 feet tall when mature and produce reddish-purple to pink flowers in mid-spring. Fruits are reddish to dark purple, maturing in late fall. This species is considered an invasive species in some tropical and subtropical regions, including Florida and Cuba.

Ardisia japonica (Japanese Ardisia, Marlberry, Coralberry, Japanese Cleyera, Bamboo Ardisia)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 6 and 15-17 and is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a low shrub that has a spreading habit (by runners). Upright branches reach 6-18 inches tall and provides a great groundcover for shaded areas. Plant two feet apart for a good groundcover. Bright green leaves are leathery and about 4 inches long, clustered at the tops of branches. Flowers in the fall, in 2-6 flower clusters of white 1/2 inch flowers. Some varieties of this plant include white or gold variegated leaves. This species is considered invasive in certain regions, particularly in northern Florida.

Ardisia solanacea (Shoebutton Ardisia, China-Shrub, Jetberry)
This species is native to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and western China, where it prefers to grow in moist ravines and in the understory of evergreen forest. It is commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental, prized for its evergreen foliage and showy pink flowers. Individual plants reach up to between 5 and 20 feet tall when mature. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-12.

caring for and pruning Ardisia shrubs

Take care when planting Ardisia shrubs in the landscape, as plant parts, including berries and foliage, are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Ardisia, or Marlberry, shrubs are typically purchased as specimens from a reputable nursery, though they are also easily grown from seed. These shrubs prefer partial shade conditions when planted outdoors, and are tolerant of a wide range of soil types (even clay soils) as long as it is amended to be well-draining and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Ardisia shrubs appreciate consistently moist soils; they are naturally understory plants that grow in moist forested areas.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Ardisia can be pruned in late winter or early springtime, before the plant puts out new growth. They are generally slow growers, so they do not need pruning often. Prune only to achieve desired shape and remove dead or damaged branches. To reduce the chance of the plant spreading via volunteer seedlings, you can cut off the berry sprigs when they form. This will discourage free-seeding, but it will also take off the winter color provided by the berries. These shrubs prefer temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and may need some protection from cooler temperatures, especially when young. Ardisia shrubs can live for between 5 and 20 years in the landscape, depending on the climate and species cultivated. They are considered long-lived garden ornamentals.

Growing Ardisia in Containers
Ardisia can be grown in the ground or in containers on patios or walkways, bringing their handsome foliage and bright berries up to eye level to be admired. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes and is a few inches wider and deeper than the original nursery pot or root ball. Fill with a well-draining substrate, such as a potting mix amended with perlite, vermiculite and organic material. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Ardisia grown in containers will need more frequent waterings than those growing in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Adding a layer of organic mulch to the top of soil can assist in increasing soil moisture retention. Repot Ardisias grown in containers every few years. A good indicator that your shrub needs to be repotted is if the roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom.

Growing Ardisia Indoors
Ardisia can be grown indoors as a houseplant or in a greenhouse in climates that regularly drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom and fill the tray underneath with pebbles. Fill the container with well-draining but moisture-retentive soil amended with vermiculite and perlite. Set the container in a space that receives bright to medium light and has a relatively high humidity. Protect from direct, harsh sunlight, which can burn foliage. The use of humidifiers or misters is recommended to keep plants healthy. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during the active growing, blooming, and fruiting seasons. Repot Ardisias grown in containers every few years. A good indicator that your shrub needs to be repotted is if the roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom.

Propagation

Ardisia can be propagated via seed or cutting. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant.

Propagating Ardisia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining potting soil amended with compost or other organic material.
In spring, before the plant has had time to harden its current season's growth, choose your plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip off all of the lower leaves, leaving the top two on the cutting. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. You can also simply place your cutting in a glass filled with water and it will begin to sprout roots.
Moisten the pot with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in bright, indirect light. Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. When you notice new growth you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home in your yard. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your propagated plant.

Propagating Ardisia by Seed

Keep in mind that the Ardisia plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a pot or tray filled with well-draining potting soil amended with compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork.
Harvest berries. Once they have appeared on the plant, cut off a sprig. Harvest as many berries as you can, and plant all of them in your tray. They will probably not all sow, and the ones that do will be of varying characteristics, especially with hybrid-varieties. The more seeds you plant, the more chances you will have to get the resulting Ardisia you want.
Barely cover the seeds with planting medium (about 3/4 inch down) and keep the soil moist but not wet by spraying it with your spray bottle. the outsides of the berries will break down under the soil, providing fertilizer for the seeds. Place your tray or pot in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 14-21 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots filled with potting soil. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

The berries of an Ardisia plant each contain a single, hard seed.

Ardisia seeds are small and typically light brown or tan. They have a high germination rate.

Problems and pests

Ardisia shrubs themselves are considered pests in certain landscapes, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. They can spread by both runners and seeds in the garden. Make sure to check with local authorities before planting. Ardisia shrubs have few issues and pests other than the following: