Shrub
Bahama Coffee
Psychotria ligustrifolia
Varieties We Carry
White FlowersPsychotria ligustrifolia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size3-4 feet × 3-4 feet
About Bahama Coffee
Bahama Coffee (Psychotria ligustrifolia) is a native Florida and Caribbean shrub in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family, bearing glossy dark green leaves and small clusters of white flowers followed by bright red to black berries that attract birds. It is an important component of South Florida coastal hammocks and a host plant for several native butterflies. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
Bahama Coffee is an understory shrub that prefers part sun to part shade in NE Florida; it can tolerate some sun but performs best in filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Full afternoon sun can stress the plant in summer heat.
Water
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist, well-drained soil, especially during establishment. Once established, Bahama Coffee is moderately drought tolerant; avoid saturated conditions as it is not adapted to wet sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates Florida's naturally infertile sandy soils. Apply a slow-release palm/shrub fertilizer (e.g., 8-2-12 with micronutrients) twice yearly in spring and summer to support healthy foliage and berry production.
Similar needs
Chinese Snowball
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $64.95Same conditions
Cleyera
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Coastal Rosemary
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Elderberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Flowering Maple
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $7.95Same conditions
Marlberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
From $29.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Bahama Coffee a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bahama Coffee is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-4 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.