In the US, Brazilian cherries can grow in zones 9b-11. If you’re looking for a shrub that grows quickly, so quickly it’s often thought of as a tree, the Brazilian cherry is worth considering.
The cherry is native to eastern South America but has become so common in Florida it is often called the Florida cherry. The cherries themselves are edible. Some people liken their flavor to the mango but others say the high amount of resin strongly flavors the fruit.
Care for your Brazilian cherry is simple. They have deep roots, so don’t need a lot of watering, unless you’re growing them in a container. You can determine when they need water by checking the soil. Only give them a drink if the top two inches of soil are dry.
Key Takeaways:
- If you live in USDA zones 9b-11 and are looking for a rapidly growing hedge plant, you might want to look into growing Brazilian cherry trees
- The Brazilian cherry tree (Eugenia uniflora) is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is related to guava, mountain apple, jaboticaba and other Eugenia members.
- The small, white, aromatic blooms are followed by red, ribbed berries that make for eye-popping color in the landscape.
“Surinam makes an excellent hedge or screen with smooth, resinous, aromatic leaves which are brilliantly red when young.”
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