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Ardisia sieboldii

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

Ardisia sieboldii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to June, and the seeds ripen from January to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Mixed forests, thickets, mountains and hillsides at elevations of 100 - 600 metres.

E. Asia - China, S. Japan, Formosa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade in a position sheltered from cold drying winds.

Propagating it: Seed - best harvested when it is ripe in the winter and sown immediately in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, once the plants are 20cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in summer. Grow on in cool, shaded humid conditions until well rooted.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bladhia sieboldii.