Shrub
Surinam Cherry
Eugenia uniflora
Varieties We Carry
2 Ball TopiaryEugenia uniflora
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$69.95
7 galFrom$175.00
15 galFrom$125.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size8-20 feet × 8-12 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
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
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
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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.