Spanish Stopper
Eugenia foetida
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
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
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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.
Similar needs
Firebush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Florida Privet
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Quailberry
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Silverthorn
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Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Wall Germander
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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.