Capparis spinosa (Caper)
Caper
Rich of a long history of human use as a food and a medicine, Capparis spinosa (Caper) is an erect or sprawling, thorny, evergreen shrub with attractive white flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with showy brushes of purple stamens. Blooming profusely from late spring to early fall, the blossoms are borne on long pedicils rising from the leaf axils. They last one day, opening at dawn and closing in late afternoon. The unopened buds of these flowers are the culinary capers which are enjoyed world-wide as garnishes or as ingredients to sauces, butters, salads, fish, meats, pizza toppings and hors d’oeuvres. Unpicked buds open to flowers which are followed by oblong, edible fruits known as caperberries. Caperberries and young shoots with leaves may also be picked and pickled for use as a condiment. The foliage of small, round to ovate, dark green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), is evergreen.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- Easily grown in lean, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Thrives in poor, dry, rocky or sandy soils in hot sun. Requires little watering once established. Drought tolerant.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Heavy annual pruning is crucial to high production since the flower buds are produced on the current year's growth.
- Propagate from cuttings or seed. Seeds are slow to sprout and grow.
- Native to Southern Eurasia, Australia.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
By Stphanie Crocq, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |