Native & adapted

Cherry of the Rio Grande

Eugenia involucrata

Also known as Rio Grande cherry · Cerella · Cereja-do-rio-grande

A Brazilian 'tropical cherry' that is actually quite cold hardy. Its dark purple fruit tastes much like a real cherry and ripens in spring.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenContainer friendlyCold hardy

Landscape layersLower canopy · Understory · Hedging

Mature size10–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide; easy to keep at 6–8 ft in a pot

Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b

Plant spacing8–10 ft apart

FrostHardy to about 20°F.

Special categoriesEDIBLE

Hardiness guidanceUSDA 9–11; hardy to about 20°F

Winter chillNone

Typical harvestApril and May, a few weeks after flowering.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Slightly acidic, fast-draining soil rich in compost. Add soil sulfur in Phoenix.

Required microclimatePlacement is part of the growing system.

East side of a wall or under a nurse tree canopy.

Right plant, right place

Can be grown as a specimen, a hedge or in a large pot.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Morning sun with shade once temperatures pass about 90°F.

Water

Moderate and steady. Deep water twice a week in summer.

Fruit set

Self-fertile.

Harvest

Fresh, or in jams and jellies.

Planting & stewardship