Ardisia Species, Japanese Ardisia, Marlberry

Ardisiajaponica

Genus
Ardisia (ar-DIZ-ee-uh)
Species
japonica (juh-PON-ih-kuh)
Synonym
Ardisia glabra
Bladhia japonica
Tinus japonica
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest
Textured
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Groundcovers
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Anniston, Alabama

Wetumpka, Alabama

Decatur, Georgia

Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana

Hartsville, South Carolina

Summerville, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Beaumont, Texas

Conroe, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Galveston, Texas

Houston, Texas

Richmond, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
3
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
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B
Chapel Hill, NC | February 2014 | neutral

Planted this in spring and loved it up until our freezing cold winter here in NC. All leaves have turned brown and I don't think it will...Read More

M
Pharr, TX | January 2014 | neutral

I just received this plant as a gift. It is sure taller then 12" and the florist said I couldn't put it outside and to keep the soil mois...Read More

I
Galveston, TX | January 2010 | positive

Am growing this around an old live oak with filtered shade. It is slow to spread, but it made it through Hurricane Ike salt water, a long...Read More

M
Wetumpka, AL | April 2007 | positive

Has spread very fast in my zone 7b garden. Very attractive groundcover in part shade. Problem with leaf spot for the first time this sp...Read More

M
Houston, TX | May 2006 | positive

I use it as a ground cover surrounding pedestals of ivy and coleus. The plantings are under a very large live oak in partial to heavy sha...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | January 2006 | positive

great groundcover but lordie it is the one of the slowest things I've ever grown. Berries in winter provide interest and yes, it looks s...Read More

D
New Orleans, LA (Zone 9a) | November 2003 | neutral

Excellant groundcover for shady areas; leaves yellow and subject to leaf spot in full sun. Spreads by underground runners, so the use of...Read More

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