Clusia

This tropical favorite is a very low-maintenance plant that does very well as a hedge plant or a specimen plant. Clusia’s distinct leaves and easy-going nature make it a popular choice in the South Florida landscape. The thick, paddle-shaped, leathery leaf makes an interesting texture in the garden. This plant is also known as the autograph plant since you can carve your name into the leaves, the leaves will scar, and the writing will remain on the leaf until it falls off the plant. Clusia goes well with most other tropicals, such as gorgeous hibiscus, mandevilla, and sweet potato vine. This combination will create an instant tropical paradise in your backyard.

Use clusia as a privacy hedge or plant by the home. When planting close to the home, allow for about 5 feet between the house and the plants. This space will give the plant plenty of room to grow, and it will provide you with space to walk between the house and the plant. Clusia can get up to 25 feet tall, but they are not fast growers, so you can prune the plant to the desired height. When pruning clusia, prune by hand. Hand pruning will avoid cutting across the leaves, which will leave ugly scar marks on the lovely foliage. Plant in an area with adequate drainage. Fertilize the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer about three times a year, starting in the spring.