| Common Name: |
Chirimen Japanese Ardisia |
| Scientific Name: |
Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen' |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Marlberry |
| Category: |
Groundcover |
| Habit: |
Evergreen |
| Texture: |
Medium to coarse |
| Form: |
Non-aggressive mat spreader |
| Flower Description: |
1/2 in., star-shaped, 5-petaled, pink and white flowers in small groups in spring |
| Bloom Season: |
Buds first appear in June, and flowers are present during July and August |
| Fruit Description: |
1/4 in. red fruit in fall, persists into winter |
| Foliage Description: |
Shiny, alternate, leathery, dark green leaves crowded at the end of branches; sharply serrated margins |
| Height of Plant: |
8-12 in. |
| Growth Rate: |
Spreads slowly by rhizomes at the rate of about 6 inches per year to approximately 3 feet wide |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 7 - 9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Shade |
| Water Usage: |
Not drought tolerant |
| Soil Type: |
Prefers cool, moist soil |
| Native Range: |
China and Japan |
| Propagation: |
Spreads by suckers |
| Other Information: |
Does not tolerate foot traffic |
| Photographer: |
Richard Buggeln |
| Location: |
Japanese Garden |