by Amanda Rose Newton
Go Rogue with Rouge!
What’s so much fun about native plant awareness month is the opportunity to celebrate true beauties that have not readily been available in mainstream nurseries.
Rouge plant’s time is certainly overdue, and once you have the opportunity to see it in its show-stopping white inflorescence and bright red fruiting glory, you are sure to agree!
Native to the Southeast, the rouge plant (Rivina humilis) is a smaller shrub in the Pokeweed family. It will also answer to several other names, including coralberry, pigeon berry, and bloodberry depending on where you travel.
Getting just over 3 feet in height, it naturally enjoys the shaded environment offered by our many hardwood hammocks.
Featuring deep green foliage with distinct scalloped edges, it takes on pink-white flowers during the warm months.
Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects find the mild scent intoxicating and can be found happily nectar-feeding for most of the season. The fruit appears throughout the season as well and is a favorite of the Northern cardinal.
Adding Rouge to the Landscape
If finding a plant that flowers suitable for partial shade has been a challenge for you, the rouge plant is your answer! It performs best under the understory of other plants, especially in the afternoon.
It is not picky when it comes to moisture or soil requirements and can be grown anywhere in the state. Once established, it takes care of itself!
Do note that it is not known for its salt tolerance and may fare better potted (so it can be mobile) if planted beachside.
Spreading the Love for Rouge
Rouge plant is by far one of the easiest plants I have ever grown from seed! Given its long fruiting season, it gives gardeners ample opportunity to collect seeds (if you can beat the cardinals to it, that is).
Select fruits that are completely ripe and press through a strainer to remove seeds. Consider passing along your seeds to friends, which would make a wonderful Florida Friendly Earth Day gift.
This spring, stray from the typical and go rogue with the rouge plant!
