marlberry
Ardisia japonica
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Spreading
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- White to pale pink
- Foliage color
- Brown/copper, green
Garden uses
Notes
Marlberry (Ardisia japonica) is a shrub for ground cover, shade gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. This evergreen spreads at a moderate pace, so it fills in shady beds. White to pale pink flowers open in early to late summer.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Foam flower, Azalea, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Asia-Temperate.