FOR MAIL ORDER CUSTOMERS, please be aware that Capers are herbaceous, therefore plants ordered in the Fall may arrive with fewer leaves than expected. Capers will usually lose their leaves for the winter, but so long as the main stem remains viable, you will have new growth in the spring each year. Capers will be available to order in the Spring after they have begun to leaf out.
Herbaceous. 3-4 ft. Sun to Part Sun.
Spineless Caper Bush is a low sprawling shrub to 3 feet tall, with arching stems and dark green, semi-succulent round leaves. Plant width can be around 6 feet. From May to October, the plants produce small flower buds, which are harvested and used commercially as capers. If left unpicked these flower buds form large, exotic delicate scented pinkish-white flowers with long lavender stamens which open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Plants are herbaceous and will die back during the winter, sometimes to within a foot of the main stems. Capers are native to the Mediterranean region and prefer growing in the driest, hottest locations, often with little soil and no obvious water. In order to successfully grow them in a garden setting, the soil needs to be amended significantly, with small rocks and sharp sand. Grow the plants on a well-drained mound if possible, or better yet, in a rock garden. The plants prefer to be grown lean, with very little fertilizer or water. If you are growing in containers, be sure to use very well-drained soil, or amend it with perlite or pumice. Deeper rather than wider containers are best. Keep containerized plants dry between waterings. Overwatering is a sure way to kill capers quickly.
In general, capers are not hardy below 18°F. On the other hand, temperatures in excess of 105°F are perfect for capers. The plants can be quite attractive as ornamental plants, and the spineless capers work well as a container plant. Flowers are born on first-year branches, so lightly pruning the plants during the spring will give a healthier and bushier plant. The spineless variety is an excellent choice for containers or next to walkways where you don't want the branches to reach out and grab you!
Capers have a piquant spicy mustard-pepper flavor and are used as condiments, for sauces, fish, chicken, and pasta.
Watch the YouTube video by Rosemary Loveall-Sale, "All About CAPERS!"