Piper ornatum, Piper crocatum

Piper ornatum (Celebes pepper) is an ornamental plant native to Indonesia. It has a unique and eye-catching foliage, making it an excellent ground cover or low-growing vine in any sunny to semi-shade garden. It will grow in USDA zones 9-11 and prefers regular watering. This plant is not fussy with soil types, as long as it is planted in well-draining soil. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer and prune the stems, if needed, to keep the shape attractive. In colder climates, Piper ornatum may be grown in pots, as long as the roots are kept cool in the winter. Cold weather can cause leaf curling and stem dieback. If you're it growing in a pot, use a good quality potting mix and position in a partially shaded spot.

In the garden, it's an attractive and distinctive groundcover and low-growing vine that grows to about 2 ft (60 cm) in height. Its stunning foliage of heart-shaped leaves, in shades of green, pink and silver is complemented by clusters of white, tubular flowers in mid-summer. The undersides of the leaves are a striking purple-red shade that gives it an even more eye-catching appearance.

Piper ornatum is a great choice for any sunny to semi-shade garden and is low maintenance in terms of care. It requires regular watering and fertilizing. In colder climates, this plant can be successfully grown in pots, provided the roots are kept cool in the winter. The best soil type is well-draining, but it is not fussy. Prune stems, if needed, to keep the plant attractive.

Similar plants:

• Piper aduncum, Piper angustifolium, Piper elongatum (Spiked Pepper, Higuillo de Hoja, Matico)
• Piper auritum (Root Beer Plant, Mexican Pepperleaf, Hoja Santa , Veracruz Pepper, False Kava-Kava, Sacred Pepper)
• Piper betle (Betel leaf)
• Piper blattarum (Higuillo)
• Piper longum (Bengal Pepper, Indian Long Pepper, Pippali, Piplamul)
• Piper magnificum (Lacquered Peppertree)
• Piper methysticum (Kava, Kava-Kava)
• Piper nigrum (Pepper)
• Piper peltatum, Lepianthes peltata, Pothomorphe peltata (Pakina, Monkey's Hand, Santa Maria Plant, Cachimuela, Cordoncillo, Pariparoba, Pariparova, Jaguarandi, Capeba, Caena)
• Piper retrofractum, Chavica officinarum, Piper chaba, Piper officinarum (Long Pepper, Balinese Pepper)