Hen's-Eyes Ardisia crenata

Coralberry is a small, upright, evergreen shrub that may reach a height of 6 feet. It is native to India, Japan, and the Philippines, and a member of the Primulaceae (primrose) family.  Coralberry is typically found in forests and hillsides of Japan.  The genus name, Ardisia, is Greek for "Ardis." Translated means "point." This refers to the pointed anthers of the flowers. The species name, crenata, is the feminine form of the Latin word crenatus, which means "with blunt teeth." This most likely refers to the plant's crenulate or notched leaf margins.

The shrub has narrow, glossy, green leaves. Clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers bloom during late spring to early summer. Berries form and gradually change from green to a glossy red color. They remain on the shrub year-round.  A white and pink-fruited berry has also been cultivated.

The Coralberry was introduced as an ornamental in Florida in the 1900s. It has escaped into the wild and has become invasive in parts of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In 1995 coralberry was identified as an invasive species in Florida. In 2014 it was labeled as a noxious weed. The shrub had spread to Texas in 1997 and dominated the understory of two nature preserves. It has the potential for colonization in coastal South Carolina due to mild winters. The shrub is difficult to manage once established. 

Coralberry is a close relative to the marlberry (Ardisia japonica). Marlberry is a low-growing, evergreen shrub and measures only 8-12 inches in height. This shrub may also spread rapidly and can produce large colonies over time.

Coralberry prefers rich acidic soil. It will not produce berries when exposed to excessive heat, and excessive sunlight causes the leaves to burn. The shrub does not tolerate flooding. The Coralberry may be grown in a container as a house plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Coralberry has an aggressive and invasive nature. Consider native shrubs such as the native coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) or American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).