Ardisia japonica 'Miho no Matsu' - Marlberry from Quackin Grass Nursery

Ardisia japonica 'Miho no Matsu' - Marlberry from Quackin Grass Nursery

Ardisia japonica 'Miho no Matsu'

Marlberry

Plant Type:

SHRUBS

Ardisia japonica 'Miho no Matsu' (Treasure Crown™) - A dwarf growing selection of the Pine Marlberry displaying soft yellow leaves with fine, irregularly etched dark green margins. Leaves exude an attractive gloss. This will light up in the shade illuminating a patch of ground in a most lovely elfin fashion. Typical medium to light pink flowers give way to gorgeous rich red and persistent pomes. The species is found in China, Japan and Korea; 'Miho no Matsu' is likely of garden origin. This exceptional form of Ardisia which will eventually make a lush, suckering ground cover; it will settle happily in fertile, moisture retaining acid soil in part sun to open shade. Established potted plant from cutting.


Height:

4-5 in

Spread:

24-36 in

Colors:

Light Pink

Characteristics and Attributes for Ardisia japonica 'Miho no Matsu'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Spring / Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Fruiting
  • Edging
  • Foundation
  • Evergreen
  • Ground Cover
  • Bank

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Humus Laden
  • Draining
  • Organic
  • Woodland

Origins

  • China, Japan, Korea

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).