Tree
Florida Soapberry
Sapindus saponaria
Varieties We Carry
StandardSapindus saponaria
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size30-40 feet × 25-35 feet
About Florida Soapberry
Florida Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) is a native Florida evergreen tree bearing pinnately compound leaves and clusters of small cream-white flowers in spring, followed by translucent amber-yellow berries whose saponin-rich pulp lathers in water. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it is best suited for South Florida (zones 10a–11); in NE Florida zone 9b it may suffer cold damage and is not reliably hardy. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun for best growth and fruiting; this drought-tolerant native thrives in open, sunny sites and declines in shade.
Water
Extremely drought-tolerant once established in NE Florida; supplemental irrigation is rarely needed except during establishment (first 1–2 seasons). Avoid overwatering.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or alkaline soils with good drainage — ideal for Florida's sandy native soils. Low-fertility tolerant; fertilizer is generally unnecessary once established.
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Common questions
Is Florida Soapberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Florida Soapberry is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 30-40 feet × 25-35 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.