Wild Coffee is a Florida native that makes a great hedge for the shade. Red berries through out the year make the plant ornamental and also attractive to songbirds. The tiny white flowers are a nectar source for butterflies including the Atala Butterfly. Wild Coffee leaves are glossy and a nice deep green when grown in shade.
How to care for Wild Coffee
Light. Partial to full shade gives the darkest green leaves. It grows in full sun, but leaves turn yellowish and the plant stays smaller.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. It is moderately drought tolerant afterward but looks best in moist soil.
Soil and feeding. It grows in any well-drained soil, acid or alkaline. It survives poor soil but does best with some organic matter.
Size. Usually 3–8 ft and about as wide. In deep shade it can grow into a small tree with an open canopy.
Pruning. It takes clipping well as a hedge, foundation planting or espalier.
Problems to watch. No major pests or diseases. Yellowing leaves usually mean too much sun.
Good to know. A Florida native that takes moderate salty wind. It is very cold tender, so cover it during a frost. Birds eat the red fruit, and the flowers feed the rare atala butterfly.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Wild Coffee · UF/IFAS EDIS: Psychotria nervosa Wild Coffee (FP494) · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Psychotria nervosa
