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In The Garden: A berry interesting one

By IN THE GARDEN 2 min read
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PHOTO PROVIDED Inkberry
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PHOTO PROVIDED Inkberry
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Look out for the fruitful inkberry (Scaevola plumieri), a Florida native, as it grows its way throughout the sandy beaches. Do not be fooled by the name; this berry bush will not taste too great, but looks fabulous in any landscape in need of a fresh flare.

You can spot the shrub growing green all year-round, flowering in the spring, summer and fall to produce white five-petal blooms. The precious flowers attract bees and butterflies, but the berries are more popular among birds and even iguanas. The dark purple berries, reaching the size of small olives, are glossy and abundant throughout each bush, and they each carry a single seed that can be germinated. The fruit and flowers grow atop a succulent stem, and most of the plant’s foliage is known to gather at each branch’s tip, making it appear more sparsely sprouted. The evergreen leaves are glossy, thick and dark in color.

Like most natives, the inkberry plant is tolerant to salty winds and drought, but they do not care for standing water. It loves to catch some Florida rays in full sun, and it is very slow-growing, which makes maintenance quite easy. The bushes look lovely as groundcover, or even allowing them to cascade down a wall can result in an intriguing style. They also do an excellent job of stabilizing sand dunes and beachfronts.

You will see the inkberry rooting to the island sands, but do not be shy about adding it to your own backyard. It has wonderful curb appeal if you are in search of an evergreen shrub that will not disappoint.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.