Spanish Cherry: A Tropical Beauty for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re gardening in a warm, tropical climate and looking for an elegant evergreen tree, you might want to consider the Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi). Don’t let the name fool you though – this isn’t your typical cherry tree, and it’s definitely not Spanish! This tropical beauty hails from much farther east and brings its own unique charm to the right garden setting.
What Exactly Is Spanish Cherry?
Spanish cherry is an evergreen tree that’s native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Despite its common name, it’s not related to actual cherry trees at all. The Spanish part of the name is a bit of a mystery – perhaps it was given this moniker by Spanish traders who encountered it during their travels, or maybe it’s simply one of those quirky plant names that stuck over time.
A Tree That Knows How to Make an Impression
What makes Spanish cherry special is its understated elegance. This tree grows slowly to moderately, eventually reaching impressive heights of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. The glossy, leathery leaves create a lush canopy that stays green year-round, making it an excellent choice for providing consistent shade and visual interest.
The real magic happens when it blooms. Spanish cherry produces small, cream-colored flowers that may not win any beauty contests for size, but they make up for it with their delightful fragrance. These blooms eventually give way to orange berries that add another layer of visual appeal to this already attractive tree.
Where Does Spanish Cherry Fit in Your Garden?
This tree works best as:
- A shade tree for large properties
- An ornamental specimen in parks or spacious gardens
- A street tree in appropriate tropical climates
- Part of a mixed tropical landscape design
Keep in mind that Spanish cherry needs room to grow. This isn’t a tree for small urban lots or tight spaces. It’s best suited for tropical and subtropical gardens where it has space to reach its full potential.
Growing Spanish Cherry Successfully
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, you’re in luck – Spanish cherry could work in your garden. Here’s what this tropical tree needs to thrive:
Light and Location: Spanish cherry appreciates full sun to partial shade. A spot where it gets morning sun and some afternoon shade can work well, especially in very hot climates.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil is essential. This tree doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions, but it’s not overly picky about soil type as long as drainage is good.
Watering Needs: Young trees need regular watering to establish their root systems. Once mature, Spanish cherry becomes quite drought-tolerant, though it will appreciate occasional deep watering during dry spells.
Planting and Care Tips
When planting Spanish cherry, give it plenty of space – remember, it’s going to be a large tree someday. Plant it at the same depth it was growing in its container, and water thoroughly after planting.
Young trees benefit from regular watering and occasional fertilizing during the growing season. Once established, Spanish cherry is relatively low-maintenance, though you might want to prune it occasionally to maintain shape or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators
The fragrant flowers of Spanish cherry are quite attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a good choice if you want to support local pollinator populations. The berries also provide food for various bird species.
Is Spanish Cherry Right for Your Garden?
Spanish cherry can be a wonderful addition to the right garden, but it’s important to consider whether it’s the best choice for your specific situation. Since this tree isn’t native to North America, you might want to explore native alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
For gardeners in appropriate climates looking for native shade trees, consider researching options like live oak (Quercus virginiana) in the Southeast, or other native trees suited to your specific region. These alternatives often provide better support for local wildlife while offering many of the same landscape benefits.
If you do decide to grow Spanish cherry, make sure you’re in the right climate zone and have the space it needs to flourish. When grown in suitable conditions, it can be a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance addition to your tropical garden palette.
