Surinam Cherry
Eugenia uniflora
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 4, 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 Surinam Cherry
Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree from South America with aromatic glossy foliage, fragrant white spring flowers, and distinctive ribbed fruits ripening through yellow, orange, and deep red. Hardy in zone 9b, it is used as a hedge or specimen in NE Florida, but UF/IFAS cautions that it is invasive in southern Florida and a species of caution in northern Florida — manage to prevent escape into natural areas. Starting at $69.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Surinam Cherry thrives in full sun in NE Florida; it tolerates partial shade but produces best fruit set and densest hedge form with maximum sun. Site in full to part sun for optimal performance.
Water moderately and regularly once established; Surinam Cherry is moderately drought-tolerant in NE Florida's sandy soils but benefits from irrigation during dry periods to maintain fruiting. Avoid chronic waterlogged conditions.
Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil; highly adaptable to NE Florida's native soils. Apply a balanced citrus or general-purpose fertilizer in spring and midsummer to support growth and fruit production. Note: UF/IFAS flags this species as invasive in parts of Florida — manage to prevent seed escape into natural areas.
Similar needs
Chinese Snowball
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cleyera
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Coastal Rosemary
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Elderberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Flowering Maple
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.
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Common questions
Is Surinam Cherry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Surinam Cherry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 8-20 feet × 8-12 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.