How to Grow Cocolobo

Wikimedia Commons

Cocolobo

Myrcianthes fragrans

tree

Cocolobo is a tropical evergreen tree native to South America that produces small, fragrant white flowers and ornamental round fruits that ripen from green to deep purple or black. The tree is prized for its attractive foliage, pleasant-scented blooms, and edible fruits that can be eaten fresh or made into preserves. It is also valued as an ornamental landscape specimen in warm climates.

When should you plant Cocolobo in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Cocolobo timeline →

Example Cocolobo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Cocolobo
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Cocolobo
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cocolobo dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best flowering and fruiting; tolerates partial shade

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply and regularly, especially during dry seasons; reduce watering in winter

📏

Spacing: 180 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 2-3 years to first flowering; 3-4 years to significant fruit production

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; top of root ball level with ground surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining fertile soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Aged manure Mulch for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures

10a 10b 11a 11b

Get my Cocolobo timeline →

Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young tree adjusting to landscape with new leaf growth and root development

Water regularly to establish deep root system; provide support stake if needed; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base; avoid fertilizing first few months

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Tree develops dense canopy with glossy, leathery green leaves; no flowers yet

Maintain consistent moisture; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; prune to shape; remove competing growth

Flowering

2-3 months (spring/early summer)

Small, delicate white flowers appear in clusters, emitting a pleasant fragrance

Continue regular watering; apply slow-release fertilizer low in nitrogen to encourage blooming; pollination occurs by insects and bees

Fruiting

3-4 months (summer through fall)

Small round fruits develop from flowers, initially green and gradually ripening to deep purple or black with waxy coating

Maintain even soil moisture to prevent fruit drop; do not over-fertilize with nitrogen; thin dense fruit clusters if desired for larger individual fruits

Harvest & Rest

2-3 months (fall/winter)

Fruits mature to full purple-black color; tree may have reduced growth in winter months

Harvest ripe fruits; reduce watering in winter; minimal fertilization; light pruning to maintain shape

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hibiscus Ixora Plumbago Croton Passion fruit Mango Avocado

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees Plants sensitive to occasional waterlogging

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune heavily infested branches; monitor regularly
Use neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected leaves; increase air circulation; encourage beneficial predators
Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide if severe; maintain adequate humidity
Remove fallen or overripe fruit promptly; maintain sanitation; use fruit traps if needed

Uses

🍳

Fresh Fruit & Preserves

Culinary

The ripe fruits have a sweet, slightly tart flavor reminiscent of blueberries and can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, compotes, or added to desserts and beverages. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In South American traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used to prepare infusions and decoctions believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Landscaping

Household

The attractive evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful fruits make it an excellent specimen tree or landscape accent in tropical and subtropical gardens. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Food & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The fragrant flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while the ripe fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Fruits are ripe when dark purple or black and yield slightly to pressure; pick fruits individually by hand when fully mature; wear gloves as fruits can stain; harvest in early morning for best flavor; fruits do not continue ripening after harvest, so wait until fully colored on the tree

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Cocolobo' derives from the indigenous Arawak word for the similar but distinct sea grape tree (Coccoloba uvifera), though they are different species
🌱 The flowers are powerfully fragrant and emit their best scent in warm afternoons, attracting a variety of bee and butterfly species for pollination
🌱 The fruits have a waxy, bluish-white bloom coating when fully ripe that gives them an attractive jewel-like appearance

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Pollination

Shop Cocolobo plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Cocolobo planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Cocolobo seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Cocolobo timeline →