How to Grow Colicwood
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Colicwood
Myrsine guianensis
shrubMyrsine guianensis is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the Amazon basin and northern South America, prized for its attractive glossy foliage and small ornamental fruits. It typically grows as a compact, densely-branched shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and tiny cream-colored flowers followed by blue or purple berries. This plant is increasingly popular in tropical and subtropical gardens for its low-maintenance nature and year-round visual interest.
When should you plant Colicwood 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.
Example Colicwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Colicwood
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Colicwood
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Colicwood dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11, prefers tropical to subtropical climates
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Get my Colicwood timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksSmall tender shoots with initial cotyledon leaves, delicate and pale green
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from direct sun and temperature fluctuations.
Juvenile Growth
2-6 monthsEstablishment of main stem and lateral branches with characteristic narrow, glossy leaves appearing
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Begin light pruning to shape. Keep in warm environment (70-80°F).
Vegetative Development
6-12 monthsRobust branching and dense foliage development; plant grows fuller with 12-24 inches of new growth annually
Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer or slow-release granules. Prune to maintain shape. Ensure good air circulation.
Flowering & Fruiting
3-6 months (flowering), 2-4 months (fruit maturation)Small cream-colored flowers appear along branches, followed by small ornamental berries that ripen to blue or purple
Maintain consistent watering and light. Ensure female plants are present for berry production. Support plant if heavy with fruit.
Mature/Established
OngoingFull-sized shrub 4-6 feet tall with dense canopy, regular flowering and fruiting cycles
Maintain shape with selective pruning. Reduce fertilizer if growth becomes excessive. Monitor for pests. Drought-tolerant once established.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested branches. Monitor regularly.
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Increase humidity, prune affected foliage, spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide if severe.
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray. Improve air circulation.
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Dab with alcohol on cotton swabs, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested plant parts.
Uses
Tropical Landscaping & Container Gardening
OrnamentalMyrsine guianensis is valued as an ornamental shrub for its dense, attractive foliage and colorful berries, used extensively in tropical gardens, patios, and as an interior specimen plant. [source]
Wildlife Attraction
WildlifeThe fruit-bearing branches attract various tropical birds and wildlife, making it an excellent choice for creating wildlife-friendly garden spaces. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalVarious Myrsine species have been used in traditional South American medicine for various ailments, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Craft
HouseholdThe berries and small branches make excellent material for dried flower arrangements and decorative crafts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest ornamental berries when fully ripe (blue-purple color) for dried arrangements or as bird food. Cut back branches for propagation cuttings in spring or early summer. Berries can be left on plant for extended visual interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Myrsine guianensis is native to the Amazon rainforest and is well-adapted to humid tropical conditions, making it an excellent choice for recreating tropical garden environments.
- 🌱 The plant's small blue or purple berries are attractive to tropical birds and wildlife, naturally dispersing seeds and supporting local ecosystems.
- 🌱 Despite its slow growth rate, once established, Myrsine guianensis becomes quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for low-input tropical gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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