Simpson’s Stopper ‘Shostopper’

Myrcianthes fragrans

Simpson’s Stopper is a versatile and visually appealing evergreen shrub or small tree that hails from Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. This plant is highly regarded in landscaping for its distinctive characteristics. It typically reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet, with dense, glossy, dark green leaves.

Thriving in a range of conditions, Simpson’s Stopper is adaptable to different soil types, from sandy to clayey, and it can tolerate coastal conditions due to its salt tolerance. In landscaping, it can serve various purposes, from being a hedge or screen to a standout specimen plant. Its dense growth and appealing attributes make it a preferred choice for privacy or windbreaks in outdoor spaces. Additionally, the fragrant blooms and fruit make it a magnet for pollinators like butterflies and a source of nourishment for birds, enhancing its value in wildlife gardens.

Maintenance for Simpson’s Stopper is relatively straightforward once it has taken root. Regular pruning can help maintain its desired shape and size. However, it’s important to be mindful of colder temperatures, as the plant can be sensitive to frost and may require protection or care during periods of freezing weather, particularly in regions where temperatures occasionally drop below freezing. In essence, Simpson’s Stopper is a versatile, low-maintenance, and attractive addition to landscaping, bringing visual appeal and ecological benefits to gardens and outdoor spaces in warm, subtropical climates.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
Florida

Common Names:
Twinberry

Description:
Hardy Range: 8B – 11
Mature Height: 6 – 20’
Mature Spread: 6 – 12’
Growth Rate: fast
Form: rounded
Persistence: evergreen

Ornamental Characteristics:
The leaves are vibrant green, with an ovate to elliptic shape and a leathery texture. They possess smooth edges and grow opposite to each other on the branches. The leaf surface is adorned with small, blackish dots. When the leaves are crushed, they release a citrusy or piney scent. Each fragrant flower consists of four white petals and numerous elongated white stamens. These blooms cluster together on paired stalks. The fruits are initially greenish and ovoid, eventually transitioning to a bright reddish-orange hue as they ripen. Typically, these fruits grow in pairs, hence the common name.

Environment:
Soil: moist to dry
Salt: low
Exposure: full sun to partial shade