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Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen'
Marlberry
Plant Type:
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBSArdisia japonica 'Chirimen' (ex: Jonathan Lehrer) - Starry pink to white spring flowers give way to very showy, fat, bright red, persistent, glossy berries (too many adjectives??) which last into the following spring. Dark green glossy leaves look as if they were made of vinyl display serrated, almost spiny looking edges. As weather cools in autumn the evergreen leaves pick up a bronze tone. This is the hardiest form of Marlberry, this handsome selection having been made at J.C. Raulston Arboretum. Once it settles in 'Chirimen' will make a lush, suckering ground cover in fertile, moisture retaining acid soil in part sun to open shade. Established pot grown plant.
Please scroll down to Genus Overview for more information...
Height:
8-12 inSpread:
24-36 inColors:
Light Pink, White| Item | Description | Price |
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Characteristics and Attributes for Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Autumn Interest
- Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads
- Autumn Leaf Color
Nature Attraction
- Songbirds
Light
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Shade Tolerant
- Dappled Shade
Attributes
- Conservatory
- Massing
- Woodland
- Edging
- Evergreen
- Marginal
- Ground Cover
- Potted Plant
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Woodland
- Acid
- Fertile
- Humus Laden
Origins
- Garden Origin
Propagated By
- Division
- Cutting Grown
Genus Overview: Ardisia
Family: Primulaceae · Common Name: Coralberry, Marlberry
Ardisia japonica, known commonly as Coralberry and Marlberry, is a shrubby, ground covering member of Primulaceae. Numerous species exist from the New World, the Pacific Islands, Australia, Asia with a vast number of species occurring in the tropics. We grow a number of fine selections from the species, A. japonica. These grow from 10 to 16(+) inches tall. Leaves are usually whorled or at least in an opposite template. Late spring flowers are pale pink to white, though small they are quite pretty and are held in racemes. The fruit that follows transforms from green to brilliant red and is persistent. "Berries" can approach the size of a dime and sometimes a little large. They are rounded and look like miniature apples. Ardisia, in its 2,500 year history of Chinese folk medicine, considers Ardisia japonica as one of the 50 fundamental herbs. We generally grow it for its phenomenal ornamental character. They are resplendent as they ground cover in shady, dappled or early morning or late day sun. Late morning to latish afternoon filtered light is important. Fertile, moisture retaining ground is a requirement. The many selections provide delight in their ground covering capacity. Not as well appreciated in U.S. gardens these plants are worthy where they can be grown outdoors. But potted plants allow for close up appreciation for their many merits - 4 season interest for sure - farther north if a cool window, porch, greenhouse or conservatory are part of your domain. USDA climate zones 7 to 9(10).