Hen's Eyes
Ardisia crenata
- Native to:
- Cambodia, China, Hainan, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
JMK
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Primulaceae
- Genus:
- Ardisia
- Species:
- Ardisia crenata
- USDA Symbol:
- ARCR80
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded understory of forests
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; germination is often slow and erratic.