Japanese Ardisia (Ardisia japonica): Evergreen Ground Cover for Deep Shade

Japanese ardisia, also called marlberry, is a low, spreading, evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green, serrated leaves. It forms a dense mat and produces small, white to pink flowers in summer, followed by persistent, bright red berries in fall and winter.

Botanical Profile

Native to East Asia, this plant thrives in deep shade and moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It's an excellent ground cover for the darkest garden corners. Slow to establish but long-lived. The berries provide winter interest and food for birds.