Wild Coffee

Overview

Wild coffee is a Florida native evergreen shrub with deeply veined glossy leaves, small white flowers, and red berries used by birds. It usually grows 4 to 8 feet tall and wide in protected Central Florida landscapes.

Where to Use It

Use it beneath tree canopies, in shaded foundations, wildlife gardens, courtyards, and natural screens. Its tropical appearance gives shaded Tampa beds a polished look without relying on a nonnative shrub.

Light, Soil, and Water

Plant in partial shade to deep shade. It prefers organic, well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Water consistently during establishment. Mature plants tolerate brief dry periods but look better when the root zone does not remain dry for long stretches.

Best Time to Plant and Care

Plant from fall through spring. Prune lightly after fruiting or during late winter to guide shape. Allow enough width for its natural rounded form and maintain mulch over the root zone.

Important Considerations

Despite the name, the berries do not provide a normal coffee substitute. Hard freezes damage foliage and stems, so use protected sites in colder inland parts of Central Florida. Learn more from UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.