Shrub
Sparkleberry
Vaccinium arboreum
Varieties We Carry
StandardVaccinium arboreum
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$32.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size18-25 feet × 8-15 feet
About Sparkleberry
Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) is a native deciduous to semi-evergreen large shrub or small tree found across the southeastern United States, producing small white bell-shaped flowers in spring and small, shiny black berries in fall that persist into winter and attract birds. It offers attractive exfoliating bark and vivid red fall foliage, making it a handsome native landscape plant. Starting at $32.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Acidic, 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.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Thrives in full sun to part shade. Full sun produces the best flowering and fruit set. In NE Florida, afternoon shade is tolerated; as an understory native it can establish beneath larger trees.
Water
Very drought tolerant once established — requiring little to no supplemental irrigation on NE Florida's sandy soils. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
Soil & Fertilizer
Strongly prefers sandy, dry, acidic soils with pH at or below 7 — ideal for NE Florida's native sandy conditions. Avoid heavy clay or wet soils. Fertilization is rarely needed; a light top-dressing of compost in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilizing promotes rank growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Similar needs
Deerberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Rusty Lyonia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Sumac
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Distylium
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $29.95Same conditions
Christmas Jewel Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $125.00Same conditions
Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Sparkleberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sparkleberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 18-25 feet × 8-15 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.