Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree thrives in Zones 9-11 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree. |
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| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 9-11 | |
| Mature Height | 10-12 ft. | |
| Mature Width | 10-15 ft. | |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR, CA, ID, WA | |
| Sunlight | Full Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Malpighia glabra | |
|
The Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree thrives in Zones 9-11
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry Tree. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 9-11 |
| Mature Height | 10-12 ft. |
| Mature Width | 10-15 ft. |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR, CA, ID, WA |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Botanical Name | Malpighia glabra |
Description
Description
Barbados Acerola Cherry: Fast-Growing with a Touch of Sweetness
The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola Cherry Tree, is the perfect mix of beauty and function. This fast-growing tropical fruit tree gives you a generous harvest of bright red cherries packed with tart-sweet flavor. Whether you enjoy them fresh, turn them into jams, or blend them into homemade juices, these cherries bring a burst of tropical taste straight to your home.
Beyond its delicious fruit, this tree is a gorgeous addition to any landscape. Its glossy green leaves provide year-round beauty, while delicate pink and purple flowers attract butterflies and pollinators. Plus, its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, patios, or even container growing.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Heavy Fruit Producer – Yields abundant cherries in the spring and summer, sometimes fruiting multiple times a year in warm climates.
- Compact & Versatile – Perfect for containers, small gardens, or yards of any size.
- Nutrient-Rich Fruit – Acerola cherries are known for their exceptionally high vitamin C content. One cherry contains more vitamin C than an entire orange! (Source: USDA)
- Low Maintenance – Drought-tolerant once established and resistant to many pests.
- Attracts Pollinators – Bees and butterflies love the delicate flowers, making it great for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Why It's a Good Container Tree
- Compact Size: With a manageable mature height (especially when pruned), it’s well-suited for pot cultivation.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it doesn't need constant watering, which helps with container care.
- Fast Growing: You'll get fruit relatively quickly—sometimes within the first year or two.
- Attractive: Glossy green foliage, pink flowers, and bright red fruit make it decorative as well as functional.
What Makes It Special?
Unlike traditional cherry trees that require cold winters, the Barbados Cherry thrives in warm climates, making it a fantastic alternative for gardeners in zones 9-11. Even if you live in a cooler climate, you can grow it in a container and bring it indoors during colder months.
Its fruit is unique too—soft, juicy, and packed with a mix of sweet and tart flavors, similar to a cranberry crossed with an apple. Fresh off the tree, they’re a refreshing snack, but they also shine in smoothies, syrups, and even tropical cocktails.
Perfect For:
- Edible Landscaping – A fruiting tree that looks just as good as it tastes.
- Small Spaces & Patios – Its compact nature makes it an easy fit.
- Pollinator Gardens – Bring in the butterflies and bees.
- Tropical & Subtropical Gardens – Thrives in warm, humid climates.
If you love the idea of picking fresh, nutrient-packed cherries right from your own backyard, the Barbados Cherry is a must-have. Add it to your garden and enjoy both its beauty and its bounty!
Plant Details
- Mature Height: 6-12 feet (can be kept smaller in containers)
- Mature Width: 4-8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Botanical Name: Malpighia emarginata
- Other Common Names: Acerola Cherry Tree, West Indian Cherry, Barbados Cherry Tree, Thai Cherry