The Caper Bush brings Mediterranean flavour to Australian gardens, producing the flower buds behind one of the world’s classic condiments. As a result, chefs and gardeners alike value it highly.
A Thornless Australian Caper Bush
Botanically known as Capparis spinosa, this deciduous perennial has a spreading habit and elegant white-to-pink flowers. Common names include Caper, Caper Plant, Caper Bush, Common Caper, Caperberry, Caper Berry, and Flinders Rose.
Our plants are the Australian-developed ‘Eureka’ cultivar, valued for its thornless growth and suitability for productive gardens. As a result, it reaches about one metre high and wide, forming a low, sculptural shrub. Mature plants can live for around 40 years. They usually begin providing worthwhile harvests at about four years old.
From Flower Bud to Gourmet Condiment
The familiar caper begins as an unopened flower bud. To enjoy them at their best, harvest the firm buds before they bloom, then preserve them in salt or salty wine vinegar. During curing, their distinctive tangy, savoury flavour develops. Finally, add the finished capers to pasta, fish, salads, sauces, pizzas and other Mediterranean dishes.
If some buds remain unpicked, they open into delicate flowers with long purple stamens. After pollination, these flowers may develop into elongated fruits called caperberries. You can also pickle them and serve them with antipasto, cheese, or drinks.
Growing the Caper Bush
Choose an open position with full sun, excellent airflow and sharply free-draining soil. Ideally, this plant thrives in hot, dry conditions and dislikes wet feet. For this reason, gravel gardens, raised beds, sunny slopes and large containers can all suit it well.
Allow the soil to dry between watering once the roots become established. As winter approaches, the plant usually enters dormancy during June and July, when its leaves may fall and growth pauses. However, this natural cycle helps it return strongly with warmer weather.
Pair it with our
Greek Oregano Plant or
Olive Plant to create a useful Mediterranean garden. Both complement its culinary character and share its preference for sunny conditions.
The Caper Bush combines an ancient food story, remarkable longevity, ornamental flowers and harvests that become more generous with age. Ultimately, this Mediterranean spice species is seasonally available through our online store.
