Spanish Stopper is a Florida native that makes a great hedge or can be used as an ornamental tree. They are narrow, upright growers with fragrant white flowers. The bark exfoliates which is a pretty effect and the small, rounded leaves form an attractive canopy or privacy screen.
How to care for Spanish Stopper
Light. Grows in full sun to part sun.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. Once established, stoppers need little if any irrigation. It does not tolerate flooding.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sand, loam and limestone and handles alkaline soil.
Size. Grows 4–20 ft depending on trimming; untrimmed it is usually 12–15 ft as a large shrub or small tree.
Pruning. It takes clipping well as a hedge or foundation plant, or can be left as a specimen.
Problems to watch. Like other stoppers, it can be bothered by chewing insects, caterpillars and scale.
Good to know. A Florida native of coastal hammocks, noted for hurricane wind resistance. It tolerates salty wind and some salt spray. Birds eat the fruit.
Sources: Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Eugenia foetida · UF/IFAS EDIS ENH-ST241: Eugenia spp. · UF/IFAS EDIS FP199: Eugenia axillaris, White Stopper
