Capparis spinosa
common caper
A tender, sprawling, shrub to 1m tall, bearing round, grey-green leaves to 4cm across. In summer it produces flowers comprised of four white petals surrounding a tuft of white to pink stamens. The unopened flower buds are pickled or salted and eaten as capers, as are the long-stalked, olive-shaped berries (caperberries)
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Capparaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
A genus of flowering shrubs or lianas more commonly known as caper shrubs or caper bushes. Plants have fleshy leaves and white to pinkish-white flowers. The flower buds (capers) and fruit (caper berries) are both edible and are usually pickled
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Eurasia, Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added extra grit. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a high potash fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed soaked in warm water for 2-3 days prior to sowing, at a temperature of 18-21°C. Germination is slow and erratic
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
See pruning group 6
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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