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Ardisia crispa

Christmas berry

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

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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)

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

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.