Native & adapted

Surinam cherry

Eugenia uniflora

Also known as Pitanga · Brazilian cherry · Cayenne cherry

A fast, bushy shrub with ribbed red to near-black fruit that is sweet and resinous. A heavy producer and a handsome edible hedge.

EdibleFruitingHedgeEvergreenContainer friendly

Landscape layersUnderstory · Hedging

Mature size

8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide; easy to hold at 5–6 ft

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

5–6 ft apart for a hedge

Frost

Mature plants survive brief dips to about 26°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 9b–11; mature plants take brief dips to about 26°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Mainly spring, with a smaller crop in fall.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Tolerates soil from about pH 5.5 to 7.5; add compost and soil sulfur in Phoenix.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

East side of a wall, or under the edge of a larger tree.

Cold hardiness

Cover while young

Young plants are damaged below about 28°F, while established ones have taken 22°F with only surface damage. Cover young plants on frost nights.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 28°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Revels in full sun and is deep-rooted enough to handle dry spells. In Phoenix, afternoon shade in the hottest spots keeps leaves from scorching.

Sources:

growables.org

Right plant, right place

Will Surinam cherry grow at your Arizona property?

Fruits in 2 to 3 years. Prunes well into a hedge or a small tree.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade in summer.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate. Deep water once or twice a week in summer.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Fresh when fully dark red, or in jams and sauces. Underripe fruit tastes of resin.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Surinam cherry thrive

1
Let fruit ripen to deep red or near black before picking.
2
Shade from afternoon sun when it is hot.
3
Prune after fruiting to shape.
4
Cover young plants on frost nights.

Read the horticultural reference ↗