Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Trees
Indigenous | Easy Care | Tree
The water berry is one of the most versatile and wildlife-friendly indigenous trees you can plant in a coastal garden. It grows into a dense, rounded, evergreen tree with beautiful bluish-green, glossy leaves, and in summer it produces clusters of fluffy white to pinkish flowers that are rich in nectar and alive with bees, butterflies and birds. These are followed by fleshy, purple berries in autumn that birds go mad for.
Despite its name suggesting a love of water (it grows naturally along riverbanks and in swampy spots), it is surprisingly adaptable and handles coastal wind, salt air and periods of drought once established. It also copes with sandy soil, though it grows fastest with regular water and good compost. The roots can be invasive, so plant it away from paving and structures.
8 to 15 m tall with a dense, spreading canopy. Can be kept smaller with pruning.
Fast, especially with regular water. Up to 1 m per year in good conditions.
Shade tree, boundary screen, wildlife garden feature, large garden specimen. Not suited to very small gardens due to the invasive roots.
Full sun. It tolerates semi-shade but flowers and fruits best in sun.
Grows in most soils, including sandy coastal sand, but performs best in fertile soil with compost worked in. Mulch well to retain moisture.
Water regularly for the first two years while establishing. Once established, it is reasonably drought-tolerant, though it grows faster and looks better with consistent moisture. Cut back on watering in winter.
Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn while young. Mature trees in good soil do not need feeding.
Prune to shape while young. It responds well to pruning and can be kept to a manageable size. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of trees and large shrubs. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right tree for your spot.
