| I like the Marlberry plants... are they invasive??? Anytime I see |
| Ardisia japonica is native to China and Japan and is a low evergreen groundcover that spreads by underground rhizomes. It is grown in shaded areas and gets only 8 to 12 inches in height. Japanese Ardisia flowers on the stem tips in the fall with small white flowers followed by red fruit during the winter. I understand your concerns about introducing invasive plants into your garden, but according to the North Carolina State University, this plant is a nonaggressive spreader. Here's what they have on record for Ardisia japonica: Habit: Evergreen Growth Rate: Moderate Size: 8 to 12 inches Site Requirements: Shade; prefers cool, moist soil Form: Nonaggressive mat spreader Texture: Medium to coarse Foliage: Shiny alternate, leathery dark green leaves crowded at the end of branches; sharply serrated margins Flower/Fruit: 1/2 inch star-shaped, 5-petaled pink and white flowers in small groups in spring; 1/4 inch red fruit in fall persists into winter Comments: Spreads by suckers; does not tolerate foot traffic; not drought tolerant. Best wishes with your new groundcover! |
