Species hen's eyes
Red-brown stem and stalk with round bright-red berries and  yellow-green leaves.

hen's eyes

Ardisia crenata

Hen's Eyes (Ardisia crenata) is an amazing plant species. It is a tropical, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage. This tropical beauty blooms with a plethora of delicate, white flowers. The petals of the flowers curve upwards, resembling the appearance of a hen’s eyes. Throughout the year, it produces berries, which start off green before maturing to a glossy, deep purple hue. Its berries are popular among birds and other wildlife. Hen's Eyes is a great addition to any garden or landscaping due to its stunning foliage and bright-colored berries.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Pinkish-white Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For best results, water once a week when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch. Make sure to water thoroughly so that the water has reached the roots, and drain any excess water from the saucer. The soil should be kept moderately moist, but not soggy. During the winter months, when the plant is not actively growing, the soil should be allowed to dry out more between waterings.

sunlight

Hens eyes prefer partial shade, but they do need some direct sunlight in order to thrive. Aim for 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but ideally avoid full sun exposure from 10am-2pm, when the sun can be more intense.

pruning

Hens eyes plants should generally be pruned in late winter or early spring, while they are still in their dormancy period. Pruning should be kept to a minimum as the plant has an overall compact form. Remove dead, damaged or crossing/rubbing branches, as well as thinning out overly dense growth. Cut the branches back to a node or just above 1, using pruning snips or shears. It is important to be aware of the direction of the new growth, as this will determine the ultimate shape of the shrub.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Ardisia crenata typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

The Ardisia crenata typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Ardisia crenata typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Ardisia crenata typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map