Shrub
Spanish Stopper
Eugenia foetida
Varieties We Carry
StandardEugenia foetida
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$24.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size9-15 feet × 8-12 feet
About Spanish Stopper
Spanish Stopper (Eugenia foetida) is a Florida native evergreen shrub or small tree from coastal hammocks of Central and South Florida, producing small white flowers in summer followed by small black fruits relished by birds. Hardy into Zone 9a–9b, it is used in NE Florida landscapes as a dense hedge, screen, or specimen; drought tolerant and highly bird-friendly once established. Starting at $24.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Calcareous, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Performs best in full sun to part sun. In NE Florida, full sun produces the densest, most compact form; partial shade is tolerated but may cause a more open habit.
Water
Very drought tolerant once established — one of Spanish Stopper's key virtues in NE Florida's dry periods. Requires minimal supplemental irrigation after the first year. Avoid overwatering, which can promote root disease.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or calcareous well-drained soils; tolerates alkaline pH common in coastal NE Florida. Fertilize lightly in spring and summer with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Minimal care is needed once established.
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Common questions
Is Spanish Stopper a good plant for St. Augustine?
Spanish Stopper is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 9-15 feet × 8-12 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.