Jamaican Cherry Tree - Strawberry Tree - 3 Live Starter Plants - Muntingia Calabura - Edible Fruit Bearing Tree for The Patio and Garden

The Jamaican Cherry Tree (Muntingia calabura) is a fast-growing tropical tree admired for its graceful form and continuous display of small, white, star-shaped blossoms that give way to clusters of bright red, berry-like fruits. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, this tree is a favorite among gardeners for its beauty and generous fruiting habit. It features soft, velvety leaves and a light, airy canopy that casts dappled shade, making it a visually pleasing addition to landscapes, patios, or large containers. The Jamaican Cherry’s attractive bark and finely textured foliage enhance its ornamental appeal while its fruit production provides year-round interest.

Reaching up to 25–40 feet in height, the Jamaican Cherry Tree thrives in warm climates and is prized for its rapid growth and minimal maintenance needs. It often begins bearing fruit within its first few years, rewarding growers with abundant yields in favorable conditions. Its tolerance to a variety of soils and adaptability to both urban and rural environments make it an excellent choice for home gardeners, small orchards, or tropical landscape designs. When properly pruned, it forms a rounded, well-balanced canopy that enhances both aesthetic and functional value, offering shade and visual charm throughout the year.

Physical Characteristics: The Jamaican Cherry Tree features slender, spreading branches covered with soft, green leaves that contrast beautifully with its delicate white blossoms. The small red fruits resemble cherries in color and shape, hanging in clusters that decorate the tree year-round. Its smooth grayish bark and airy canopy contribute to a graceful, ornamental presence in any landscape.Sunlight Requirements: The Jamaican Cherry Tree flourishes in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. Ample sunlight ensures strong branching, dense foliage, and steady flower and fruit production. While it can handle partial sun, optimal growth and continuous fruiting occur under consistent exposure to bright, warm sunlight conditions.Watering Guidelines: This tree appreciates a steady watering routine, especially during its early establishment phase. Maintain evenly moist soil but avoid standing water that can stress the roots. Once mature, it shows moderate drought tolerance, though consistent moisture during dry spells will encourage healthy foliage and prolonged fruiting cycles.Soil Preferences: The Jamaican Cherry Tree performs well in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy and loamy types. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions and benefits from good aeration. Avoid compacted or poorly draining locations. Regular mulching helps conserve moisture and maintain a balanced root environment ideal for vigorous growth.Growth Rate and Maintenance: Known for its rapid growth, this tree can reach impressive size within just a few seasons. Pruning helps maintain shape, manage height, and improve airflow through the canopy. Its adaptability allows it to thrive with minimal intervention once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and low-maintenance specimen.