Other Names:  Boxleaf Stopper, syn. Eugenia buxifolia

Description:

A nice shrub or small tree; rounded, small foliage emerges red, maturing to deep glossy green with yellowish undersides and margins; white flowers in late spring are followed by small edible berries in fall; leaves and flowers have a foul smell in summer

Ornamental Features

Spanish Stopper features showy clusters of fragrant white pincushion flowers with creamy white overtones and yellow anthers along the branches from mid spring to mid summer. It has attractive dark green foliage edged in yellow with hints of chartreuse which emerges red in spring. The small glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red drupes which fade to black over time, which are carried in abundance from mid summer to early fall. The rough gray bark and brick red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The round sweet fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Preserves

Landscape Attributes

Spanish Stopper is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Spanish Stopper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Spanish Stopper will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant will benefit from an application of bonemeal and/or mycorrhizal fertilizer at the time of planting. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America..