How to grow Christmas Berry

Chironia baccifera

This fast-growing, ornamental shrub looks stunning when planted in groups as a hedge, in rockeries or as a border along the front edge of a flowerbed. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Plant in light, well-drained, composted soil. Keep soil moist throughout the year. Plants are at their best for 2 – 3 seasons, after which they need to be replaced.

Growing Christmas berry from seed

Best to sow seeds in spring. Sow seed in a tray filled three quarters with soil, lightly compacted and cover with a thin layer of soil, water well. Treat seedlings with a liquid fertilizer.

How long does Christmas berry take to grow?

These estimates for how long Christmas berry takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Christmas berry Etymology

The name _Chironia* refers to this plant’s medicinal attributes. It is named after Chiron, the good Centaur of Greek mythology who studied medicine and other arts. Legend has it that after he died, the god Zeus elevated him to the southern sky as alpha and beta Centauri, the two pointers of the Southern Cross. The specific epiphet, *baccifera":, means berry-bearing.

Christmas berry Folklore & Trivia

The attractive red berries ripen at Christmas-hence the common name. The Afrikaans name aambeibessie refers to its use as a remedy for piles.

Other names for Christmas berry

Aambeibossie (afrikaans), Bitterbossie (afrikaans), Barsbessie (afrikaans), Kalwerbessie (afrikaans)

Footnotes


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