Capparaceae
Capparis spinosa
Capparis spinosa
Also known as Capparis spinosa var. genuina
Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Caper · Mediterranean · Drought Tolerant · Edible Buds · Xeriscape · Culinary Herb · Shrub · Rocky Soil · Ornamental · Bee Friendly
The caper bush is a drought-adapted Mediterranean shrub that demands full sun and excellent drainage — it will rot in wet or clay soils. Once established, it requires very little water and minimal care, making it ideal for xeriscaping or warm, dry climates. Harvest the immature flower buds (capers) before they open for culinary use.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 8 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings · Every 10-14 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–7.5
- Temperature
- -20°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 5a-10b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 18 in
- Spacing
- 36 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Caroline Is., Chad, Cook Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Fiji, France, Greece, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle
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