Christmas berry - Ardisia crenata (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Christmas berry

Also known as: Coral ardisia, Australian holly, Spiceberry, Hilo holly, Scratch throat

Christmas berry is a small shrub that is used extensively for ornamental and horticultural purposes. It is a favorite houseplant thanks to its bright red berries, waxy foliage, and simplicity of maintenance. While the christmas berry is especially popular during the holidays, its berries last throughout the year.

Scientific classification

Species

Christmas berry (Ardisia crenata)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Early spring, Mid fall, Late fall, Winter

Harvest Time

46 cm to 1.8 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 1.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 6 mm

Flower Size

Red, Green, White, Pink, Burgundy

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Cream

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Christmas berry

Distribution of Christmas berry

Distribution Map

Christmas berry is a plant with a native range that encompasses major regions in Southeast Asia. In cultivation, it has spread to various temperate and tropical regions, indicating a wide horticultural appreciation. While christmas berry enjoys popularity in gardens, it is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Notably, distribution extends into eastern regions and also to islands in the Pacific, where its presence has been recorded.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods in low mountains, forests, hillsides, valleys, shrubby areas, dark damp places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

An evergreen ornamental in milder climates, the christmas berry shrub works well as an indoor potted plant or outdoor border plant in woodland and shady gardens. The red berries that grow through the fall and last all winter are its most outstanding feature. Because the berries tend to attract birds and other wildlife, it can be problematic.

Interesting Facts

Although very decorative, with year-round interest, including the winter, christmas berry is an undesirable plant in the southeastern United States, where it's declared an invasive species. Due to its invasive nature, christmas berry is often grown as a houseplant.

Name Story

Christmas berry||Coral bush||Coralberry tree: Christmas berry got its common name from its coral red, waxy fruit that arrives around Christmas time. These berries will persist almost year-round until Ardisia crenata starts flowering again, which happens during the spring.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Christmas berry, including the following common varieties :

Christmas berry 'Queen Star'

Toxicity

Christmas berry has shiny leaves and red berries that can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite if ingested. It is mildly toxic to cats and dogs, particularly the fruits and leaves, leading to gastrointestinal upset and physical distress. Immediate veterinary care is advised if ingestion occurs. Keep small children and pets away from this plant to avoid discomfort or poisoning.

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Quickly Identify Christmas berry

Vertical growth up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)

Leaves with crenulated edges and pointed anthers

Star-shaped white to pink flowers in clusters

Glossy red berries persistently attached to branches

Thick, glossy, leathery leaves with wavy margins

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Care Guide for Christmas berry

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Christmas berry prefers consistently moist soil and high humidity, reflecting its tropical forest origins. With moderate drought tolerance, it requires weekly watering to thrive. As an evergreen, it benefits from humidity to enhance leaf coloration and overall vitality when grown indoors.

Fertilize: For christmas berry, fertilization boosts growth and berry yield. Apply balanced fertilizers in spring/summer, high-nitrogen during growth, every 4-6 weeks while avoiding over-fertilization. In fall/winter, reduce feeding. Combine fertilization with watering for optimal nutrient absorption.

Pruning: To shape your christmas berry, prune in late winter or early spring before growth begins. To prevent the plant from spreading by seed, remove spent blooms to stop berry production.

Propagation: Christmas berry can be propagated via stem cuttings by selecting healthy, semi-woody stems cut to 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Remove bottom leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil. Maintain moist soil and a warm, humid environment for successful root development and new growth.

Repotting: Christmas berry requires repotting every 2-3 years in spring using a 2-inch larger container. After repotting, provide indirect light and keep the soil moist, avoiding overwatering. These practices help maintain the health of christmas berry, celebrated for its ornamental berries.

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Images of Christmas berry

Distribution of Christmas berry

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Christmas berry

Care Guide for Christmas berry

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