Hardy Caper (Capparis spinosa var. herbacea) | seeds, 10 pcs.

FROST TOLERANT | RARE

• Latin name: Capparis spinosa var. herbacea
• Danish names: Hardy Caper
• English names: Hardy caper bush

Capparis spinosa var. herbacea is a herbaceous and more cold-tolerant form of the classic caper plant, known for its delicate flower buds – capers – and its beautiful, fragrant flowers. This variety originates from the steppe and Mediterranean regions of southeastern Europe and Western Asia, where the climate offers cold winters and hot, dry summers – making it far more adaptable than the typical Mediterranean type.

The plant forms a low, cushion-shaped growth with blue-green, rounded leaves and long, slightly curved stems that can spread across stones and walls. The flowers are large and elegant – white to pale pink with prominent violet stamens – and open in the evening sun.

Cultivation and requirements:

This hardy variant of Capparis spinosa thrives best in full sun and in very well-drained, calcareous soil. It is drought-tolerant and requires only minimal watering once established.

Unlike the common form, var. herbacea can survive short-term frost down to about –10 °C, if kept dry and sheltered. In Denmark, it is excellently suited for pots, rock gardens, and south-facing walls, where it can overwinter with light coverage or be moved to shelter during the coldest months.

Cultivation from seed:

The seeds have a hard shell and sprout best after a short pre-treatment. Soak them in warm water for 24–48 hours, then sow in a well-drained seed mix (sand, gravel, and a little soil). Keep slightly moist at 20–25 °C. Germination can take 4–8 weeks, but fresh seeds yield the best results.

Utility:

The flower buds are harvested before they bloom and preserved in salt or vinegar – these are the classic capers known from Mediterranean cuisine. The small fruits can also be used in the same way. At the same time, the plant is decorative with its large, fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Capparis spinosa var. herbacea is the ideal caper plant for more northern climates – a rare, hardy variety that combines flavor, fragrance, and Mediterranean atmosphere with surprising winter tolerance.