Chirimen Marlberry

Ardisia japonica 'Chirimen'

Pronunciation: ar-DIZ-ee-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh
SKU #00291
6-9

Your climate might be too cold:

Change Location
LIGHT: Partial sun
WATER: Keep soil consistently moist.
SIZE: Moderately fast growing; forms dense mat 6 to 8 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide.

Retailers Near You

No Retailers found within 100 miles of your zipcode

Ready to Grow?

Ship Monrovia plants directly to your door. Browse a curated selection available online.

Shop Now >
Description An excellent low-growing shrub that works well as evergreen groundcover for shady beds, borders, and woodland gardens, particularly under the cool, dark canopy of large trees. The dense, glossy, dark green foliage is accented by ornamental red fruit in late summer that persists into winter. A wonderful choice for water gardens and containers.
Bloom Time Late summer to fall
Deciduous/Evergreen Evergreen
Special Features Ornamental Berries, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds
Growth Rate Fast
Growth Habit Clumping
Landscape Use Container, Ground Cover, Hanging Basket
Design Ideas A useful partial shade groundcover that fills in gaps in planting. Excellent for tightening up the lawn edge or creating green carpet beneath older flowering shrubs with exposed legs. An exceptional choice for the woodland forest floor to discourage weeds and to add bright berry color. Works nicely on northeast or west exposures where few plants thrive and in side yards between multistory buildings.
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Companion Plants Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra); Hosta (Hosta); Pachysandra (Pachysandra); Columbine (Aquilegia)
Care Instructions Thrives in organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils, clear of heavy foot traffic. Shelter from harsh afternoon sun exposures. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil; does not tolerate soggy soils or drought. Space 2 to 3 ft. apart as a groundcover; closer for faster coverage. Control weeds with mulch until plants fill in.
History This shrub is included in the small Nutmeg Family which contains just a few genera from warm parts of the world. This genus contains about 250 species distributed over tropical and subtropical regions around the world except Africa and Australia. The species is native to Japan and China where it is valued as a medicinal. It was classified by Karl Blume in the 19th century.
Lore The bark of Ardisia is the part considered medicinal in traditional Chinese medicine.
Details
DescriptionAn excellent low-growing shrub that works well as evergreen groundcover for shady beds, borders, and woodland gardens, particularly under the cool, dark canopy of large trees. The dense, glossy, dark green foliage is accented by ornamental red fruit in late summer that persists into winter. A wonderful choice for water gardens and containers.
Bloom TimeLate summer to fall
Deciduous/EvergreenEvergreen
Special FeaturesOrnamental Berries, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds
Growth RateFast
Growth HabitClumping
Style
Landscape UseContainer, Ground Cover, Hanging Basket
Design IdeasA useful partial shade groundcover that fills in gaps in planting. Excellent for tightening up the lawn edge or creating green carpet beneath older flowering shrubs with exposed legs. An exceptional choice for the woodland forest floor to discourage weeds and to add bright berry color. Works nicely on northeast or west exposures where few plants thrive and in side yards between multistory buildings.
Flower ColorWhite
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsJapanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra); Hosta (Hosta); Pachysandra (Pachysandra); Columbine (Aquilegia)
Care
Care InstructionsThrives in organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils, clear of heavy foot traffic. Shelter from harsh afternoon sun exposures. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil; does not tolerate soggy soils or drought. Space 2 to 3 ft. apart as a groundcover; closer for faster coverage. Control weeds with mulch until plants fill in.
History
HistoryThis shrub is included in the small Nutmeg Family which contains just a few genera from warm parts of the world. This genus contains about 250 species distributed over tropical and subtropical regions around the world except Africa and Australia. The species is native to Japan and China where it is valued as a medicinal. It was classified by Karl Blume in the 19th century.
LoreThe bark of Ardisia is the part considered medicinal in traditional Chinese medicine.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chirimen Marlberry produce flowers?
Late summer to fall
Is Chirimen Marlberry evergreen or deciduous?
Chirimen Marlberry is Evergreen.
What are the special features of Chirimen Marlberry?
Chirimen Marlberry is Ornamental Berries, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds.
How fast does Chirimen Marlberry grow?
Chirimen Marlberry has a Fast growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Chirimen Marlberry?
Chirimen Marlberry grows in an Clumping habit.
Where can I use Chirimen Marlberry in my landscape?
Chirimen Marlberry is suitable for: Container, Ground Cover, Hanging Basket.
How can I use Chirimen Marlberry in my garden design?
A useful partial shade groundcover that fills in gaps in planting. Excellent for tightening up the lawn edge or creating green carpet beneath older flowering shrubs with exposed legs. An exceptional choice for the woodland forest floor to discourage weeds and to add bright berry color. Works nicely on northeast or west exposures where few plants thrive and in side yards between multistory buildings.
What color are Chirimen Marlberry flowers?
Chirimen Marlberry produces White flowers.
What color is the foliage of Chirimen Marlberry?
Chirimen Marlberry has Green foliage.
What plants grow well with Chirimen Marlberry?
Good companion plants for Chirimen Marlberry include: Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra); Hosta (Hosta); Pachysandra (Pachysandra); Columbine (Aquilegia).
How do I care for Chirimen Marlberry?
Thrives in organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils, clear of heavy foot traffic. Shelter from harsh afternoon sun exposures. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil; does not tolerate soggy soils or drought. Space 2 to 3 ft. apart as a groundcover; closer for faster coverage. Control weeds with mulch until plants fill in.
What is the history of Chirimen Marlberry?
This shrub is included in the small Nutmeg Family which contains just a few genera from warm parts of the world. This genus contains about 250 species distributed over tropical and subtropical regions around the world except Africa and Australia. The species is native to Japan and China where it is valued as a medicinal. It was classified by Karl Blume in the 19th century.

About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.