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Coco Plum is a Florida-native evergreen shrub ideal for privacy hedges and coastal landscapes. Tolerates salt exposure and produces small, edible fruit.
| Mature Height: | 10-15 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 8-12 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun (4–8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Low to Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Chrysobalanus icaco |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 9-11 |
Coco Plum – A Florida-Native Shrub for Privacy and Coastal Landscapes
Provides year-round foliage and tolerates coastal conditions. Suitable for privacy hedges, property borders, and native gardens.
Coco Plum is a Florida-native evergreen shrub known for its dense green foliage, small white flowers, and edible plum-like fruit. It can be maintained as a privacy hedge or allowed to develop into a larger, naturally spreading shrub. In Southwest Florida, its salt tolerance and ability to withstand coastal conditions make it suitable for property borders, native gardens, and waterfront landscapes.
Botanically known as Chrysobalanus icaco, typically grows 6–15 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Compact selections can be maintained at shorter heights, while larger varieties develop into substantial shrubs suitable for privacy screening.
This Florida-native plant grows in full sun to partial shade and adapts to sandy coastal soils. It tolerates salt spray, wind, and occasional periods of wet soil, although good drainage is preferred inmaintained landscapes. Sunnier locations generally encourage denser growth and better fruit production.
For privacy hedges, space Coco Plum approximately 3–5 feet apart, depending on the variety, starting size, and desired coverage. It can also be planted individually in larger landscape beds where its natural branching growth has room to develop.
Newly planted Coco Plum requires regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants tolerate dry periods and generally need supplemental irrigation during extended drought. Its adaptability to coastal conditions makes it useful in areas where other landscape shrubs may struggle.
Coco Plum produces small white flowers followed by rounded fruit that can ripen white, pink, or dark purple, depending on the selection. The fruit is edible and can be used fresh or in jams and jellies. Birds and other wildlife also feed on the fruit.
Coco Plum grows at a moderate rate and responds well to pruning. Regular trimming maintains a dense hedge, while less frequent pruning allows more natural growth and generally preserves additional flowers and fruit.
Why You'll Love It
Florida-Native Growth: Naturally occurs in Florida and provides fruit and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Excellent Coastal Tolerance: Handles salt spray, sandy soil, and coastal winds, making it suitable for waterfront properties.
Edible Fruit: Produces small plum-like fruit that can be eaten fresh or used in homemade jams and jellies.
Natural Privacy Screening: Dense evergreen foliage can be maintained as a hedge or allowed to develop into a larger spreading shrub.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with brighter sunlight generally supporting denser foliage and better fruit production.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods once mature.
Mature Size: Approximately 6–15 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide, depending on the variety and pruning.
Best Uses: Coastal properties, native plant gardens, privacy hedges, home fruit gardens, waterfront landscapes, property boundaries, and large landscape beds.
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