White Berry Stopper (Eugenia axillaris)
Regular price $99.95Hardy, Native Florida Shrub
Common Names: White Berry Stopper, Spanish Stopper, Twinberry
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Florida, the Caribbean, Central America
White Berry Stopper (Eugenia axillaris) is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Florida and the Caribbean, known for its attractive, fragrant leaves and small white berries. This drought-tolerant, hardy plant is ideal for use in coastal and subtropical gardens. The tree provides excellent wildlife value, as its fruits attract birds and other wildlife, and its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit offers good cover. White Berry Stopper is also prized for its ornamental appeal, with its glossy, dark green leaves, delicate white flowers, and small white berries, making it a popular choice for native landscaping and privacy hedges.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ecological Value
Fruits: The tree produces small, white to pale yellow berries, each about the size of a pea. Though the berries are edible, they are mildly sweet and more commonly consumed by birds and other wildlife rather than humans. The berries play an important role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food for a variety of native animals.
Foliage: White Berry Stopper has small, glossy, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The foliage is dense, creating an attractive, lush appearance year-round.
Growth Habit: This hardy shrub typically grows 10-15 feet tall but can reach up to 20 feet when left unpruned. Its dense growth makes it ideal for use as a hedge or privacy screen. It can also be shaped into a small tree.
Ornamental and Practical Uses
White Berry Stopper is often used as an ornamental plant in native landscaping, coastal gardens, or for creating hedges and windbreaks. Its fragrant leaves and small, white flowers add beauty and texture to garden spaces. Additionally, the plant’s berries attract a wide variety of birds, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. It is also salt-tolerant, making it a reliable choice for coastal areas.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial Fruit-Bearing Shrub/Tree |
| Harvest Season: | Late Spring to Early Summer (varies by species) |
| Mature Size: | Varies by species; typically 6-30 feet tall |
| Soil & Moisture: | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil; regular watering |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Self-fertile: | Yes (most species) |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation: | Our medium pot size plants are grown from seeds or cuttings; capable of producing fruit within 3-5 years. X-Large Pot size plants are capable of flowering and fruiting now. |
About Eugenias
Common Names: Eugenia, Pitanga, Surinam Cherry, Grumichama, Brazilian Cherry
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Tropical and Subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil
Eugenia is a diverse genus of tropical and subtropical fruit-bearing trees and shrubs known for their flavorful fruits, attractive appearance, and ornamental value. This group includes popular varieties such as Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis), and Pitanga (Eugenia pitanga). Renowned for their glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and tasty fruits, Eugenias are prized additions to gardens, particularly in warm regions. The fruits range in flavor from sweet to tangy, making them ideal for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and beverages.
Shop all of our Eugenia varieties.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial Evergreen Shrub/Small Tree |
| Harvest Season: | Summer to Fall (for berries) |
| Mature Size: | 10-15 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide |
| Soil & Moisture: | Well-draining soil; drought-tolerant once established |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Self-fertile: | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation: | Grown from seedlings or tissue culture; X-Large pot size are fruiting now. Plants in our medium pot size fruit within 2-3 years. |
Growing Guide for White Berry Stopper
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: White Berry Stopper thrives in warm, subtropical to tropical climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It is highly drought-tolerant and can handle salt spray, making it ideal for coastal regions. The tree can withstand occasional flooding and is well-adapted to a range of environmental conditions.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil but can tolerate poor or rocky soils. It grows best in soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location. White Berry Stopper thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and mix in organic matter if planting in poor soil to improve fertility.
- Planting Time: Plant in spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.
- Spacing: Space plants 8-10 feet apart to allow for their spreading growth habit.
Watering
- Low Water Needs: Water regularly during the first year to help establish a strong root system. Once established, White Berry Stopper is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering, thriving in dry conditions.
Sunlight and Fertilizing
- Full Sun to Partial Shade: Provide the plant with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth. Organic compost can also be added to improve soil fertility.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Low Maintenance: White Berry Stopper requires minimal pruning but can be trimmed to shape as desired. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its size and form. Regular pruning encourages dense growth, making it ideal for hedges or privacy screens.
- Wind and Salt Tolerance: Its ability to withstand salt spray makes White Berry Stopper a great choice for coastal and windy areas.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: The plant is relatively pest-resistant but may attract aphids or scale insects. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
- Diseases: White Berry Stopper is generally disease-resistant but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting White Berry Stopper Berries
When to Harvest:
- The small white berries appear in late summer to fall. They are ready for harvest when they turn white or pale yellow and are soft to the touch. Although the berries are edible, they are primarily enjoyed by birds.
How to Use:
- While the berries are mildly sweet and can be eaten fresh, they are most often used to attract wildlife. The tree is an excellent addition to bird-friendly gardens.
