White Stopper is a versatile Florida native that can be grown as a hedge or a multi-stem tree. They can be grown in full sun or in light shade. The plant itself has an earthy aroma and it exhibits clusters of puffy but tiny white flowers during the summer. White Stopper is drought and salt tolerant.
How to care for White Stopper
Light. Grows well in a range of light, from full sun to partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. After that it is drought tolerant and handles occasional wet periods.
Soil and feeding. It tolerates well-drained sand, loam, clay and limestone, acidic or alkaline.
Size. Grows 4–15 ft as a hedge or small tree; old untrimmed plants can grow taller.
Pruning. Clip regularly for a hedge or foundation planting. Remove lower branches to form a small multi-trunk tree.
Problems to watch. Chewing insects, caterpillars and scale can show up. Treat scale with Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. A Florida native that takes salty wind but not direct salt spray. New leaves emerge bright red. The fruit is edible and attracts birds.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS FP199: Eugenia axillaris, White Stopper · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Eugenia axillaris
