Caper bush Capparis spinosa
Caper bush (Capparis spinosa) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Capparaceae family, native to Mediterranean to Central Asia. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Caper bush in your garden →
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Caper bush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Capparaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 7–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds (capers, pickled), fruits (caper berries) |
| Native to | Mediterranean to Central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Caper bush toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Caper bush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Caper bush
- How far apart should I plant Caper bush?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Caper bush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Caper bush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Caper bush?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Caper bush flower?
- From about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Caper bush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Caper bush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Caper bush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Grows out of old walls and rocks in full sun; showy flowers with long purple stamens last one day.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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