Coccoloba Rugosa

[Gbarce]

I finally got myself a Coccoloba Rugosa. The pictures I have seen on the web always focus on the leaves and there is very little information on growing this tree to begin with.

Does anyone have any prectical experience growing this tree?

I have so many questions that I don't know where to begin:

1) In selecting a site for this tree should it get full sun exposure or does it need protection/ filtered light?

2)Does it need protection from wind since the leaves get so big?

3) Does anyone have pictures of what a full grown tree looks like? I have only seen pictures focusing on the large leaves or of juveniles that have not branched yet-- so they look columnar. How widely should this tree be spaced?

THanks in advance!!

Gene

[fastfeat]

Gene--

In south Florida, they grow well in full sun. They probably could grow in high shade (under tall, thin-canopied trees) for some extra wind protection. The leaves could get tattered in high winds, but of course, in hurricane/cyclonic winds, all bets are off. If you are on the coast, exposed to constant ocean winds, I'd locate it on the leeward side of a building if possible. They tend to grow rather erect, at least while young, with relatively few branches. Sorry, no pics of big sppecimens.

[ThunderSRQ]

Gene,

Jeff Searle grows this (he had a large one at his sale last weekend) so, if he doesn't chime in on this thread, I would send him a PM.

Tim

[Jeff Searle]

Thanks Tim.

Gene,

I have growing these now for a few years, and I absolutely love this plant. I doubt if I can take a picture anytime soon, but if you ask Ryan, he might have one from my yard, or I know he would take one and post it. I grow them at the nursery in full sun, but my 4 plants in the yard are all in filtered light, with some hours of direct sun.

They really don't make a single leader tree it seems like, but they like to send new branches of the main trunk down low, forming really a large "bush" tree. Mine are about 10-12' tall now with really neat hard leaves. When we tour our yard, I always like to show it off to people and let them feel how hard the leaves are.

I'm glad you found one, you'll really love it as it grows and get bigger.

Jeff

[epicure3]

It does have that kind of cool Ficus Dammaropsis look to it. I have seen a picture online of this plant in maturity. Try a Google search, if you haven't alrady, and see if it's there.

[Gbarce]

Thanks Jeff. There is nothing like getting advice from someone who's actually grown this tree.

At what height do they begin to branch off? Most of the pictures on the net are of juveniles that are maybe 8 to 10 feet tall-- the leaves are really big but there is just one stem that they grow out of.

Questions:

- Will pinching off the tip make it grow branches at the lower portions of the tree -- kinda like deadheading?

- Do these marcot easily? Whats the best way to propagate these?

[cfkingfish]

Thanks Jeff. There is nothing like getting advice from someone who's actually grown this tree.

At what height do they begin to branch off? Most of the pictures on the net are of juveniles that are maybe 8 to 10 feet tall-- the leaves are really big but there is just one stem that they grow out of.

Questions:

- Will pinching off the tip make it grow branches at the lower portions of the tree -- kinda like deadheading?

- Do these marcot easily? Whats the best way to propagate these?

Gene-

Funny you mention this plant, I just got one when I was in Miami yesterday. It looks like you have a recently rooted air layer which looks great. Mine is about 8 feet tall but only has three leaves, so I assume they grow tall and skinny with a few sports, which growers tend to air layer due to their value. Let yours grow and see if it will branch, but I haven't seen many do so. C. pubescens does branch more if you want a similar look but bushier.

[Gbarce]

C. pubescens does branch more if you want a similar look but bushier.

Yup-- I know what you mean by C. Pubesens. THis one is owned by a friend of mine and it had branched off at the base. Those leaves are about 3 feet across!

I still wonder though-- how these will look as a full grown tree. I get the impression that there will be very few leaves on a really mature tree and will tend to look leggy.

I am also looking for this tree for my garden. Do you know anyone who has seeds of these??

[Jeff Searle]

Thanks Jeff. There is nothing like getting advice from someone who's actually grown this tree.

At what height do they begin to branch off? Most of the pictures on the net are of juveniles that are maybe 8 to 10 feet tall-- the leaves are really big but there is just one stem that they grow out of.

Questions:

- Will pinching off the tip make it grow branches at the lower portions of the tree -- kinda like deadheading?

- Do these marcot easily? Whats the best way to propagate these?

Hi Gene,

They pretty much start sending new branches off the main trunk when the tree is around 5-6' tall. And like most trees, if you pinch out the new growth, it will send out a couple of new shoots, maybe three. All of mine were grown from seed, but I have done a few from an air layer. You just have to wait to get your plant big.

Jeff

[Eric in Orlando]

We got one at Jeff's spring sale 2 years ago. It is about 6ft now. This winter it got some frost on it one night and has some burn of the foliage but wasn't defoliated, damage was similar to some nearby seagrapes.

[Peter]

Gene,

C. pubescens does look leggy as a mature tree, and the leaves also get substantially smaller; I've got a friend in Florida who cuts his back every time it gets over about 10-12' to keep it nice and full with large leaves. Not sure how the rugosa will look when it's older, but I'd guess it would be similar to pubescens. That's just a guess though as I've never seen a large one.

[Gbarce]

Update :

Cool development on my C. Rugosa.

1) finally sent out a new leaf. Didn't really show any signs of growth since I bought it .

2) a new branch has also started down near the bottom of the tree.

[Gbarce]

[Gan Eden]

DOes anyone have any contacts of suppliers of seed of these two species please?

[Plant-a-holic]

OMG!!! I first saw this at I believe Flamingo Gardens in May 2023 and have been pining for it ever since!

Any chance anyone can suggest where I may get one please?? 🙏🤞❤️

and all suggestions are very much appreciated!

Btw… I am in Florida…lol

Hope to hear from someone soon… thanks in advance to all!😍

[Marie Nock]

2 hours ago, Plant-a-holic said:

OMG!!! I first saw this at I believe Flamingo Gardens in May 2023 and have been pining for it ever since!

Any chance anyone can suggest where I may get one please?? 🙏🤞❤️

and all suggestions are very much appreciated!

Btw… I am in Florida…lol

Hope to hear from someone soon… thanks in advance to all!😍

Living Colors Garden Center in Broward County used to carry them.  It's worth checking to see if they still do.

[Plant-a-holic]

Thanks sooo much Marie!! It is really appreciated!🍃❤️🙏

[Plant-a-holic]

Well, I did try Living Colors… but unfortunately they don’t have it anymore… so thanks again, and if anyone hears of where it may be obtained, please, let me know!

[Marie Nock]

Try Placensia Nursery in Miami Dade County.  The used to carry pubescens; they may carry rugosum.

[Plant-a-holic]

Thanks for the suggestion!! I appreciate your help .🍃❤️