Caper bush is an ornamental plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mustard family and its scientific name is Capparis spinosa. The plant has white or pink flowers and its fruit is a small, dark-colored berry. The plant is grown in gardens for its ornamental value and the berries are used in pickling.
About soil condition, the caper bush requires well-drained, sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Plants are quite tolerant of poor soil, but they will not perform well if the soil is waterlogged.
Just like other plants, the caper bush needs sunlight to grow. However, it is a bit more tolerant of shady conditions than most plants. This makes it a good choice for planting in areas that receive partial sunlight, such as beneath trees. The bush will still produce flowers and fruits in these areas, though they may be smaller than those grown in full sun.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for germination of Caper Bush seeds is a temperature between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for planting them is also between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, the seeds may not germinate or may not grow well.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. The plant cannot tolerate long periods of dryness and will begin to drop leaves if the soil is allowed to dry out. Regular misting of the leaves will help to increase the humidity around the plant and prevent the leaves from drying out.
For the fertilizer, this type of plant requires extra phosphorus to encourage blooming. A good rule of thumb is to use one-half the suggested amount of regular fertilizer and add bone meal or super phosphate to the planting hole. If you're unsure, ask your local nursery or garden center for a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. If you're planting several caper bushes, you can amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure to give them a good start. As for the roots, caper bushes have a very strong root system. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and spread. Once the plant is in the ground, water it well and mulch around the base to help keep the roots cool and moist.
Pruning is an important part of caring for a caper bush. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Also, prune any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help keep the bush healthy and promote new growth.
Propagation of the caper bush is usually done through seedlings, which are best started indoors in cooler climates. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with a sterile, well-drained seed starting mix and cover with a thin layer of sand. Keep the pot in a warm location and moisten the mix as needed to keep it moist, but not wet. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to one per pot and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the availability of water. With enough water, these plants can grow quite rapidly, sometimes up to several feet in a single growing season. However, if water is limited, their growth will be much slower. In very dry conditions, they may barely grow at all.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, whiteflies, and scale. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plants by sucking out the sap. Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on plants by sucking out the sap. Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that feed on plants by sucking out the sap. All of these pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Source:
Capers: A New Crop For California? - Small Farms
Caper Bush | ClipPix ETC: Educational Photos for Students and
Edgeworthia chrysantha (Oriental Paper Bush, Paperbush,
