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Red Tip Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco 'Red Tip') growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida #1

Red Tip Cocoplum — South Florida Plant Guide

Chrysobalanus icaco 'Red Tip'

Family: Chrysobalanaceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

hedgecoastal bufferwildlife gardenfoundation plantingmass plantingnative restoration

Style Tags

nativeflorida friendlycoastaltropicalformalnaturalistic

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial SunPartial Shade

Water Requirements

Low2/10

Once established (12–18 months), Red Tip Cocoplum is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Low water requirements once established — one of South Florida's most drought tolerant native shrubs. Water 2x per week for first 6 months; reduce to 1x per week or rainfall only after establishment. SFWMD drought- exempt as a Florida native plant.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestonecoastalwell drained

Fertilizer: Low-phosphorus slow-release formulated for Florida natives. Over-fertilization causes rank growth.

Schedule: Annual or semi-annual with light low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer. Often grows well with no fertilization once established.

Salt Tolerance

High (8/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
415 ft
Mature Width
410 ft
Growth Rate
moderate
Water Demand
2/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
6/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Red Tip Cocoplum at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Red Tip Cocoplum grow in South Florida?

Red Tip Cocoplum has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Red Tip Cocoplum safe for pets?

Yes, Red Tip Cocoplum is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic. Fruit edible to humans and wildlife.

How much water does Red Tip Cocoplum need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Red Tip Cocoplum is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Red Tip Cocoplum tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Red Tip Cocoplum has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Red Tip Cocoplum available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Red Tip Cocoplum is classified as: allowed. Allowed and encouraged.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed and encouraged. Florida native.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed and encouraged. Florida native.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed and encouraged. Florida native.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed and encouraged. Florida native.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed and highly encouraged. Florida Keys native.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Red Tip Cocoplum

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.