Barbados Cherry

Barbados Cherry is a 4’ – 6’ semi-evergreen shrub, spreading 3’- 5’. The
plant makes a good foundation or hedge shrub. It produces small, pink,
fragrant flowers from March – Dec. Flowers are followed by bright red
berries, thus the Mexican name “manzanita” (little apple). The tart
berries are edible and high in vitamin C. Plant is drought tolerant, but
blooms better with supplemental water. It stays evergreen down to
25 0 F. A dwarf variety that stays around 4’ is available. The fine foliage
can be shaped.

Planting Sites: Well-drained, sandy, loam, limestone or clay soils in part or dappled sun. It needs space for its
arching branches.

Planting Instructions: Space plants 5 – 7’ apart (dwarf plants 3’-4’). Dig hole slightly larger than, but the same depth
as the nursery container. Carefully remove plant from container and gently loosen any compacted soil or roots
around the root ball. Plant at the same depth as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using a root stimulator mixed according to directions. For about 3
months, water deeply when top 2 – 3” of soil is dry to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. Skip a
watering after a rainfall of ½” to 1”.

Comments: Birds, especially mockingbirds, are attracted to the berries. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies; plant
is larval host for the Brown-banded Skipper, White-patched Skipper, Florida Duskywing, and Cassius Blue. Dwarf
plants make good patio plants if planted in large containers.

Planting and care instructions provided by the Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas