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​​​​​Rouge Plant

Rivina humilis

  • Common name: Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Baby Peppers, Bloodberry, Coralito
  • Scientific name: Rivina humilis
  • Family name: Phytolaccaceae
  • Origin: Southeastern United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America
  • Height: 3-5 ft
  • Width: 1-3 ft
  • Growth: Fast
  • Zone: USDA zones 7-11
  • Light needs: Part shade
  • Salt tolerance: Moderate
  • Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers a moist, well-drained soil, mildly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
  • Moisture: Prefers moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding.
  • Drought tolerance: Can tolerate periods of drought but will go dormant and stop growing until the drought is over.
  • Pests/Diseases: No serious pest or disease concerns. Caterpillars of the Goodson’s Greenstreak butterfly may eat the leaves, but they do not do serious harm to the plant.
  • Growing conditions: This small shrub prefers shady, moist areas, and can be found growing in hammock forests. It tolerates many soil textures if the soil is consistently moist; It grows quickly and should be trimmed if the branches become too leggy. As an understory woodland plant, it is vulnerable to wind damage.
  • Characteristics: This small, round shrub grows thin, long, vine-like branches. The leaves are arranged alternatively along the stem; they are broad, pointed, and may be slightly scalloped or wavy along the margins, about 1-3 inches long. The flowers are small and white with pink sepals, and they grow in clusters on the ends of stems. The berries are bright red and numerous and may appear on the lower parts of stems while other flowers are still blooming.
  • Propagation: By seeds and cuttings.
  • Wildlife: The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Berries are a favorite food of many bird species. It is a host plant for the Goodson’s Greenstreak butterfly in parts of North America.
  • Facts: The juice of the berries can be used to make dyes and ink
  • Designer considerations: Its shade tolerance makes it an excellent choice for any shady parts of the garden, such as underneath trees or at the edges of forests. For bird lovers, this plant is a must-have, as the berries draw in many bird species.​​​

Location

Native Garden

Rouge Plant

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