Description
Caper Plant (Capparis spinosa) is a hardy Mediterranean perennial shrub prized for its beautiful white flowers with delicate purple stamens and distinctive trailing growth. Naturally found growing along rocky cliffs and stone walls, this drought-tolerant plant is perfectly suited to Malta’s hot, dry climate.
Best known for its edible flower buds, capers are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine to add a distinctive tangy flavour to salads, pasta dishes, sauces, fish and traditional Maltese recipes. The unopened flower buds are harvested and preserved in salt or vinegar before consumption, making this both an ornamental and culinary plant.
🌱 Growing Instructions
☀️ Sunlight: Requires full sun, ideally 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Thrives in Malta’s hot, sunny conditions.
💧 Watering: Water moderately while establishing, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Once established, caper plants are highly drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering.
🌱 Soil: Requires very well-draining, sandy or rocky soil. Tolerates poor, alkaline and limestone-rich soils.
🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in warm Mediterranean conditions, particularly between 18°C–35°C. Established plants tolerate Malta’s mild winters well.
📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 1–1.5 metres between plants to accommodate their spreading, trailing growth.
🌾 Fertilizer: Requires very little feeding. Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in spring if necessary, avoiding excessive nitrogen.
✂️ Harvesting: Pick unopened flower buds while small and firm, generally from late spring through summer. Preserve in salt or vinegar before eating. Light pruning in late winter encourages fresh growth.
🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)
Best planting season: March to May or September to October, allowing roots to establish during milder weather.
Position: Sunny terraces, rocky gardens, stone walls or large containers with excellent drainage.
Companion plants: Rosemary, thyme, oregano and other drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs.
Common issue: Root rot caused by excessive watering or poorly draining soil. Use a gritty potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.
📦 Product Information
Variety: Caper Plant
Botanical Name: Capparis spinosa
Plant Type: Perennial Mediterranean Shrub / Culinary Plant
Pot Size: 14 cm
Growth Habit: Spreading and Trailing
Flowering Season: Late Spring to Summer
Harvest Season: Late Spring to Summer
Special Characteristics: Beautiful white flowers with purple stamens, edible flower buds, excellent drought tolerance and suitability for Malta’s Mediterranean climate.
Important Information
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The price is per one plant in a 14 cm pot.
