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Ardisia japonica 'Dragon Brocade'
Coralberry
Plant Type:
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBSArdisia japonica 'Dragon Brocade' - Glossy green leaves sport broad and irregular golden-green margins which mature to cream. Sometimes a darker green picotee edge occurs at margins. Leaf edges gently undulate. Pastel pink flowers become showy, bright red persistent berries that often last through much of the winter. We wish we could successfully grow it outdoors though it is also beautiful in a pot. Though listed as growing 8 to 12 inches tall, in a perfect garden situation in the finest of climates 'Dragon Brocade' may grow as tall as 18 inches... maybe. Perfect planted in fertile, moisture-retentive soil set in dappled to open shade. Early morning sun is fine - just keep it out of harsh midday and afternoon sun. Occasional short term dryness will be okay but arid condition is an anathema to keeping a garden carpet happy. This will make a beautiful ground cover. Established potted plant from cutting.
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Characteristics and Attributes for Ardisia japonica 'Dragon Brocade'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Autumn Interest
- Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads
Light
- Dappled Shade
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Shade
Attributes
- Massing
- Bank
- Border
- Edging
- Evergreen
- Ground Cover
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Moderately Fast
Soil
- Moist
- Fertile
- Humus Laden
- Draining
- Organic
Origins
- Garden Origin
Propagated By
- 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).