Barbados Cherry
Malpighia glabra
Last reviewed: August 2026
Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra) is a perennial shrub native to TX. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies
Native alternatives to Barbados Cherry
Barbados Cherry is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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Barbados Cherry is a compact shrub that produces small pink flowers nearly year-round and edible red cherries rich in vitamin C. This semi-evergreen maintains its attractive appearance through most seasons and adapts well to Texas heat and humidity.
Growing Barbados Cherry
Grow Barbados Cherry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Barbados Cherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies from spring through fall. The small fruits also attract birds when they ripen.
Common questions
- When does Barbados cherry bloom?
- Malpighia glabra produces flowers over a long season, typically from March through November, with flushes of pink blooms appearing repeatedly rather than all at once.
- What pollinators visit Barbados cherry flowers?
- Butterflies are frequent visitors to the small pink flowers of Malpighia glabra, drawn by the nectar produced across its extended bloom period.
- How much sun and water does Barbados cherry need?
- This shrub does best in part sun and prefers medium moisture, though it can adjust to somewhat drier conditions once established.
- Does Barbados cherry keep its leaves year round?
- Yes, Malpighia glabra is evergreen, holding its foliage throughout the year in climates warm enough to support it.
- Is Barbados Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Barbados Cherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Barbados Cherry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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