Carolina Wolfberry
Lycium carolinianum
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Carolina Wolfberry
Christmas berry (Lycium carolinianum) is a Florida native coastal shrub with small lavender flowers that give way to vivid red berries ripening in winter. Its salt tolerance and wildlife value make it a staple of coastal native plantings. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Alkaline, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for best growth, berry production, and flowering. In NE Florida's coastal landscapes, this native excels in open, sunny locations with excellent air circulation. Tolerates light shade but fruiting is reduced.
Low to moderate water needs once established — highly adaptable to NE Florida conditions. Tolerates brief drought (drops leaves as a survival mechanism) and occasional brief inundation. Water regularly for the first season; thereafter, natural rainfall is generally adequate.
Highly adaptable to a wide range of NE Florida soils — sandy, loam, clay, acidic, or alkaline. Thrives in nutrient-poor coastal soils. No heavy fertilization is required; a light balanced fertilizer application in spring is optional. Excellent drainage preferred but tolerates periodic wet conditions.
Similar needs
Elderberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Ligustrum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Marlberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Saltbush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Simpson's Stopper
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Buttonwood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Carolina Wolfberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Carolina Wolfberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 4-8 feet × 3-6 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 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.