Light. Grows in full sun to light shade. Naturally an understory plant, it does well in open, sunny spots once established.
Water. Water regularly until it is established. After that it handles short dry spells, but it prefers moist soil that does not flood.
Soil and feeding. Suited to sand, loam and limestone, including alkaline soil. It tolerates poor soil but grows best with some organic matter in the top layer.
Size. Usually 4–12 ft, often with several trunks; it grows slowly. Very old trees can reach 15–20 ft.
Pruning. Train it to one trunk or let it form several. It also works as a hedge or screen.
Problems to watch. Serious pests are rare. Keep it out of salty wind and salt spray, which can burn the leaves.
Good to know. A Florida native of Keys rockland hammocks, listed as endangered in Florida. White flowers appear year-round, and birds eat the orange-to-black berries.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS FP201: Eugenia rhombea, Red Stopper, Spiceberry · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Eugenia rhombea · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Eugenia rhombea
