Florida Soapberry
Sapindus saponaria
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 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
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
Plant in full sun for best growth and fruiting; this drought-tolerant native thrives in open, sunny sites and declines in shade.
Extremely drought-tolerant once established in NE Florida; supplemental irrigation is rarely needed except during establishment (first 1–2 seasons). Avoid overwatering.
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.
Similar needs
Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Wild Lime
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Jamaican Caper
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Italian Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Olive
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Baby's Breath
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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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.