Caper
Capparis spinosa
Also known as Caper Bush, Flinders-rose
Climate Match for your location
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A spiny Mediterranean shrub prized for its edible flower buds (capers) and pickled fruits. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Caper offers reliable productivity in arid and semi-arid climates where many fruiting shrubs struggle, with minimal inputs once established. Unlike many Mediterranean crops, it tolerates poor, shallow, or alkaline soils and requires no supplemental irrigation in regions receiving 300mm annual rainfall or more. It produces two harvestable products (flower buds and fruits) from the same plant, making efficient use of garden space.
Watch out for
Harvest timing affects flavor and texture; buds picked too late will open into flowers with a notably different taste profile. In cooler climates with sustained frost, plants may survive but produce sparingly, so location selection within the garden matters significantly for yield.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Capparaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean region, North Africa, and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A spiny Mediterranean shrub prized for its edible flower buds (capers) and pickled fruits. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Caper grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Caper offers reliable productivity in arid and semi-arid climates where many fruiting shrubs struggle, with minimal inputs once established. Unlike many Mediterranean crops, it tolerates poor, shallow, or alkaline soils and requires no supplemental irrigation in regions receiving 300mm annual rainfall or more. It produces two harvestable products (flower buds and fruits) from the same plant, making efficient use of garden space.
Watch out for
Harvest timing affects flavor and texture; buds picked too late will open into flowers with a notably different taste profile. In cooler climates with sustained frost, plants may survive but produce sparingly, so location selection within the garden matters significantly for yield.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Capparaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean region, North Africa, and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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