Simpson's Stopper

Overview

Simpson's stopper is a Florida native evergreen shrub or small tree with dense glossy foliage, fragrant white flowers, colorful berries, and attractive exfoliating bark. It often reaches 10 to 20 feet, though regular selective pruning keeps it smaller.

Where to Use It

Use it for privacy screening, small specimen trees, courtyard planting, wildlife gardens, or a tall foundation layer. It responds well to pruning while retaining a refined appearance. Flowers support pollinators and berries feed birds.

Light, Soil, and Water

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Simpson's stopper prefers well-drained soil and accepts sandy or alkaline conditions. Water during establishment. Once rooted, it handles moderate drought and some salt exposure.

Planting and Care

Fall through spring is ideal in Tampa. Use selective pruning to expose attractive trunks or maintain a dense screen. Avoid repeated hard shearing because it hides flowers, fruit, and natural branching. Space plants according to the intended mature form.

Important Considerations

Cold inland sites near the northern edge of its range might show winter damage. Protected Central Florida locations perform best. Find regional native plant information through UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.