Locations

• The trees both grow in southern Florida. While the cherry trees also grow in central Florida, they require protection from freezing weather. Rio Grande is the most cold-tolerant of the two trees.
  
  

Description

• Rio Grande is a small evergreen tree or shrub that reaches up to 15 feet in height. The glossy, dark green leaves of the Rio Grande are long and narrow. Flowers bloom in March to May, followed by dark red or purple fruit. Barbados cherry trees grow up to 20 feet in height with wavy evergreen leaves. Pinkish-lavender flowers are followed by red fruits with three seeds.
  
  

Planting

• Barbados trees grow best in acidic soil with medium to low rainfall and temperatures that rarely drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Rio Grande trees can handle temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. Rio Grande requires slightly acidic soil low in salt. Both trees require lots of sun.