Species marlberry Guide
bright-red fruits with lime leaves, burgundy-olive stems and olive trunk

marlberry

Ardisia japonica

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

White to pale pink Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Marlberry plants should be regularly watered once or twice a week to ensure healthy growth. They prefer moist soil, but be careful not to overwater since it may cause root rot. During the summer season, make sure to water the marlberry plant in the morning, when temperatures are milder. In winter, the soil can dry out a bit more, and only needs to be watered once a week. During periods of intense heat, water more frequently. Be sure to check the soil before adding water as the soil should be slightly moist before watering again.

sunlight

Marlberry (Ardisia japonica) plants prefer bright, indirect light, and are best when grown in a location that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Mature plants should receive minimally 6 hours of direct sun per day, and artificial light may be used to supplement the natural light if necessary. The best time of day to receive direct sunlight is during the morning and/or afternoon hours when the sun is not at its strongest. It is also important to provide some shade. A secluded spot or a place near a window with sheer curtains can help prevent too much intense direct sunlight from damaging the leaves of the marlberry.

pruning

Marlberry (Ardisia japonica) should be pruned once a year around late winter prior to its growing season. When pruning, remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches and any shoots or branches that are too long or too dense. Cut each branch back to 2 or 3 sets of healthy buds to encourage new growth. Pruning in the late winter, prior to the start of the growing season helps maintain the plant’s shape and size and helps to produce large, abundant flowers during the flowering season.