Shrub
Quailberry
Crossopetalum ilicifolium
Varieties We Carry
StandardCrossopetalum ilicifolium
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size0.5-1 foot (typically 6-12 inches) × 1-3 feet
About Quailberry
Quailberry (Crossopetalum ilicifolium) is a low-growing native groundcover shrub with small holly-like leaves, inconspicuous flowers, and showy bright red berries valued by wildlife. Native to South Florida pinelands and coastal scrub, it grows in zones 9-11 and is suitable as a drought-tolerant groundcover for NE Florida in well-drained alkaline or sandy soils. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Alkaline, 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
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grows in full sun to partial shade; tolerates the heat and sun exposure typical of NE Florida's open scrub and pineland habitats.
Water
Highly drought tolerant once established; thrives on natural rainfall in NE Florida. Water occasionally during prolonged dry periods. Avoid poorly drained or wet sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Prefers well-drained sandy or calcareous alkaline soils. Requires very little fertilization; use a light application of slow-release palm or native-plant fertilizer if growth is poor.
Similar needs
Firebush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Florida Privet
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Silverthorn
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $16.95Same conditions
Spanish Stopper
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
Wall Germander
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $7.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Quailberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Quailberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 0.5-1 foot (typically 6-12 inches) × 1-3 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.