Coccoloba uvifera
Sea grape, Chicory grape, Pigeon plum, Jamaican kino, Platter leaf, Uvero
- Height × spread
- 8m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a very handsome tropical tree or large shrub. Often found growing right on the beach where it makes an impressive dense plant. The leaves are rounded, copper coloured when young and a rich bright green with red veining when mature. These take on orange red tints before leaf fall as well. There are small creamy flower spikes that erupt from the end of the branches and which are followed by fruits that look like grapes and which are said to be edible. Although it is not hardy out of doors this can be grown in a tub in a warm conservatory where it will make a fine specimen and should reach around 2m (7ft) in height.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.