How much sun does Barbados Cherry need?

Barbados Cherry grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Barbados Cherry bloom?

Barbados Cherry blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Barbados Cherry native?

Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Barbados Cherry attract?

Barbados Cherry draws butterflies.

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.

Barbados Cherry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Malpighia glabra

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

Pollinators

butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain

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.

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

How much sun does Barbados Cherry need?: Barbados Cherry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Barbados Cherry bloom?: Barbados Cherry blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Barbados Cherry native?: Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Barbados Cherry attract?: Barbados Cherry draws butterflies.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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