Simpson's stopper Plant Care

Simpson's stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrcianthes genus. Simpson's stopper is native to Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, other countries within the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. Simpson's stopper is also known as Wild stopper, Sugarberry, Bayberry.

Simpson's stopper displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Simpson's stopper produces small white or pink fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Simpson's stopper every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Simpson's stopper thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myrcianthes fragrans tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Simpson's stopper prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Simpson's stopper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Simpson's stopper every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Simpson's stopper is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Simpson's stopper can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Simpson's stopper while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Simpson's stopper is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Simpson's stopper can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to colubrina elliptica plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Simpson's stopper is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Simpson's stopper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Simpson's stopper is native to Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, other countries within the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Simpson's stopper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.