Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Louise Raterman

Nomenclature

Common Name:

rouge plant

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Rivina humilis

Family:

Phytolaccaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

3-5 ft tall by 1-3 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white,pink

Fruit Color:

red

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms and fruits all year.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Foundation plantings, small speciment plants. Of year-round interest since it has both blooms and fruits nearly all year.

Considerations:

This plant grows naturally is protected woodland locations. Its weak wood can break easily if exposed to wind or physical disturbance.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales

Propagation:

Seeds and cuttings. Self-seeds.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds

Insect pollinated.

Seeds eaten by birds 

Native Habitats:

Woods. Moist and well-drained sand, loam, clay, or calcareous soils.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

The berries have been used for cosmetics, hence the name rouge plant.

General Comments:

This species is listed as invasive in Australia.