The Clusia (Clusia guttifera), also known as Small-Leaf Clusia, is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the Caribbean with thick, glossy, dark green leaves. Left untrimmed it grows 20 feet or more, but it is most often kept as a 4–8 foot hedge, and growth is fast with regular water. Clusia is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant once established, thrives in full sun to part shade, and is South Florida’s go-to plant for a dense, modern privacy hedge.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
| Size | Typical height | Spacing | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Gallon | 8–16" | 1.5 ft apart | $7.99 | Center-to-center |
| 7-Gallon | 24–36" | 2 ft apart | $29.99 | Center-to-center |
| 15-Gallon | 4–5ft | 3 ft apart | $59.99 | Center-to-center |
| 25-Gallon | 5–6ft | 4 ft apart | $119.99 | Center-to-center |
Clusia Breakdown
Appearance:
Dense, evergreen shrub with thick, paddle-shaped, leathery leaves that are glossy green on top and lighter underneath.
The foliage grows in an upright, symmetrical habit and creates a clean, modern aesthetic. Flowers are rare in hedge form but may appear as small pink or white star-shaped blooms.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
This species is known for rapid establishment and fill-in, especially when regularly watered during the first year.
Size:
Typically maintained between 4–8 feet for hedge use.
Left untrimmed, it can grow into a small tree reaching 20 feet or more.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade.
Performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate filtered light.
Water Needs:
Low to moderate.
Requires regular watering when newly planted but becomes quite drought-tolerant once established. Avoid consistently soggy soil.
Soil Preferences:
Well-draining soil is essential.
Tolerates sandy or rocky soils and is salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal areas. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal.
Maintenance:
Low.
Regular trimming promotes density and shape. Responds well to heavy pruning. Minimal pest or disease concerns.
Landscape Use:
Frequently used for privacy hedges, windbreaks, sound barriers, and property lines.
Can also be used as a specimen shrub or pruned into a small ornamental tree in modern tropical landscapes.
Climate Tolerance:
Hardy in USDA zones 10–11.
Thrives in hot, humid environments and is both salt- and heat-tolerant. Not frost-hardy.
Clusia Guttifera is a dependable, low-maintenance plant ideal for fast-growing privacy hedges and clean, structured landscapes. Its durability and adaptability make it one of South Florida’s most popular hedge choices.
Clusia Hedge Planting Guide
Everything you need to plan a clusia privacy hedge: which size to buy, how far apart to plant, and how to water it in.
Pick your size — spacing changes with the pot
Bigger plants go further apart. The calculator above the Add-to-Cart button does the math for your exact footage.
💧 Watering schedule for new clusia
Water daily, soaking the root ball.
Every 2–3 days, adjusting for rain.
Twice a week in dry stretches.
Established clusia is drought-tolerant — water only in extended dry spells.
✂️ When and how to trim
Trim the sides lightly and often to build density, and keep the top slightly narrower than the base so sunlight reaches the lower leaves. Avoid heavy pruning in winter — warm-season trims regrow fastest. Clusia handles hard cutbacks well if a hedge has outgrown its space.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Clusia ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Clusia in Florida
Layout Spacing (by Pot Size)
Palm Beach County guideline: 3 gal ≈ 1.5 ft apart, 7 gal ≈ 2 ft, 15 gal ≈ 3 ft, 25 gal ≈ 4 ft (center-to-center). Use a string line for a perfectly straight hedge.
Prep the Trench / Holes
For hedges, a continuous trench (or evenly sized holes) helps keep the line straight. Dig 2–3x wider than the root ball and slightly shallow so the root ball sits a touch high.
Plant for Fast Rooting
Slide out of the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the top of the root ball level to slightly above grade. Backfill with native soil and firm gently.
Water Schedule (Most Important)
Days 1–14: deep soak daily. Weeks 3–4: taper to ~3–4x/week depending on rain/soil. Goal: keep the root ball consistently moist (not soggy).
Trim for Density
After a few weeks, lightly tip-prune to push branching. Regular light trims create the thick “wall” look without stressing the plant.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
No need to look any further than Dino's Palms :) Incredible website - very easy to use. After a few minutes with fantastic pricing, I purchased what was needed and sent the order. Received an immediate reply and a subsequent date for installation. The tree was as described - the installer was professional and thorough even cleaning where some dirt had fallen in the street. Will deal again Highly recommend / easy 5 Stars - thank you!!!
My experiences with Dinos have been wonderful. The communication about my orders & delivery was spot on, the deliveries guys quick, efficient and friendly - they even cleaned up fallen leaves from the driveway. But its the product that shined the most. Healthy, lush, vibrant. The same size posts as local nurseries - but the plants themselves were larger, fuller and more robust than anywhere we shopped. I cant say enough great things about their operations, their services and their products.
Highly recommend! Super communicative, did a great job installing and all-around fit our budget while still providing excellent quality, beautiful plants! We will be repeat customers!
