Description
Form:
A multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.
Leaf retention:
Evergreen.
Growth rate:
Moderate.
Mature Size:
16-20' (5-6m) high and 6-10' (2-3m) wide.
Flowers:
Tiny, no more than 1/8" (3mm) wide, five white petals surrounding a tubular throat,
in small clusters, only noticeable on close inspection.
Bloom:
Early to mid spring.
Fruit:
White colored, translucent like pearls, oval like grapes up to 3/8" (1 cm) long,
drupes with 1-2 seeds, edible. The flavor has been compared to lychee.
Leaves:
Green, long, narrow, lance-shaped, smooth edges, thick.
Stems:
Smooth and green when young, the bark becomes brown and furrowed with age.
Wildlife:
The flowers attract pollinating insects.
The fruit attracts birds.
Animals, even goats, do not typically graze this plant because they find it unpalatable.
Toxic / Danger:
None.
Origin:
Tropical North and South America, including Florida.
Its northern limit in the wild is the Sonoran desert.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones:
9b-11. The plant is hardy to about 23°F (-5°C).
Chill hours:
None.
Heat tolerant:
Yes.
Drought tolerant:
Yes, after becoming established.
Sun:
Full sun to part shade. This plant tolerates reflected heat.
Planting:
Locate this plant in full sun. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air collects.
Soil:
Well drained, dry. Pearlberry adapts to a variety of soil types.
Fertilize:
Not necessary.
Water after becoming established:
Deep water every three to four weeks.
Mulch:
Apply organic mulch the first year to reduce soil temperature extremes.
First Year Care:
Water as needed to develop a strong root system.
Prune:
In winter, only to shape, removing no more than 25% of the total plant.
Litter:
Low.
Propagation:
Seed and cuttings.
Pests:
This plant is not usually bothered by pests.
Uses:
Grown as an ornamental for its evergreen leaves, its flowers are unnoticeable.
The edible fruit resembles small clustered pearls.
Comments
A member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, the Vallesia genus contains 12 species from
tropical America.
Other common names are Smooth Vallesia and Tear Shrub.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for this plant that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
