Christmas Berry

Ardisia crenata also known as Christmas Berry, Coral Berry and Australian Holly among other names, is a fantastic flowering shrub native to east Asia.

Ardisia crenata is a popular indoor plant because it is hardy and reasonably easy care. It is most appreciated for its long-lasting bright red berries that are produced in large numbers at the bottom half of the plant. When grown in a pot, it reaches a maximum height of under a metre, with a spread of about 30-35cm. It has glossy, dark green leathery leaves up to 15cm long. Thick clusters of star-shaped white or rose-pink flowers are produced usually in early summer. These are followed by very decorative shiny berries which are held on nearly horizontal stalks. The berries gradually take on a bright red colour and normally persist on the plant until flowering time the following year.