Ribbon Bush

Ribbon Bush

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Tapeworm Plant, Centipede Plant

Description:

An unusual, upright shrub with long, flat, dark green leafless stems that are jointed at nodes; foliage is only present on new growth; tiny white flowers along the stems in late fall, followed by red fruit; makes a great specimen for large pots

Ornamental Features

Ribbon Bush features dainty white flowers along the branches in late fall. It has green deciduous foliage. The oval leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. It produces red berries in late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Ribbon Bush is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Ribbon Bush is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Ribbon Bush will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.