Area of origin: Circum-Mediterranean countries
Adult dimensions: Height up to 50 cm, spread to 1.20m
Foliage: Deciduous
Soil type: Any type, well-drained, rocky soil
Hardiness: Hardy to -8°C
Exposure: Full sun
Properties and uses:
Capparis spinosa, commonly called Caper bush, is a perennial plant that blooms throughout summer to autumn in warm areas. The unopened flower buds are harvested and pickled in vinegar as the culinary capers and used to add pungent flavour to dishes or sauces.
Unpicked buds open to white, four-petaled flowers with long purple stamens, and some spines develop at the base of the leaves. The Caper bush blooms throughout summer and thrives in areas with poor, rocky soils in full sun, such as old stone walls or stairs.