Caper

Capparis spinosa

Native to:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Baleares, Caroline Is., Chad, China, Cook Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, France, Greece, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Lesser Sunda Is., Libya, Marianas, Marshall Is., Marshall Islands, Morocco, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Niue, North Caucasus, Northern Mariana Islands, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Pitcairn Is., Portugal, Samoa, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Society Is., Solomon Is., Spain, Tadzhikistan, Tonga, Transcaucasus, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Wallis-Futuna Is., Yemen

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Capparaceae
Genus:
Capparis
Species:
Capparis spinosa
USDA Symbol:
CASP28

Growth Characteristics

Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in arid, coastal regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification.