Japanese Ardisia Ardisia japonica

Marlberry or Japanese Ardisia is an evergreen, low-growing shrub that measures 8-12 inches in height. The shrub spreads rapidly by runners that form a groundcover for shady areas. It can produce large colonies over time. There are multiple cultivars, but the variegated cultivars tend to be less cold hardy.

The shrub is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan and is found in mixed forests or bamboo woods. Marlberry is typically used in Chinese herbal medicine.

The genus name, Ardisia, is Greek for "Ardis." Translated means "point." This refers to the pointed anthers of its flowers. The species name, japonica, refers to its native habitat.

The foliage is dark green, glossy, and densely concentrated at the end of the shrub's branches. The flowers are clusters of small, white to pale pink, star-shaped blooms. The flowers are present from July to August. The fruits are tiny, bright red drupes that appear in September and mature from October to November.  The fruits may persist through the winter. The plant seeds freely and may result in naturalization.

The Marlberry shrub provides good groundcover for shady or partly shady woodland gardens. It does not tolerate foot traffic, flooding, or drought. It prefers acidic soil, and excessive sun causes leaf burn. The plant is not prone to disease or pests and is considered deer resistant.

The plant is propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. Cutting should be taken between June and September. 

The Marlberry is a close relative to the Coralberry (Ardisia crenata). It is a small upright evergreen that may grow up to 6 feet tall. The Coralberry is considered invasive in Florida.

The Marlberry escaped cultivation in the early 2000s. It is not recommended for planting in northern Florida due to its invasive nature and inability to control. Please consider native alternatives such as the Gallberry (Ilex glabra), Shiny Blueberry (Vaccinum myrsinites), or Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) in place of the Marlberry.