The Clusia Guttifera, also known as Small-Leaf Clusia or Pitch Apple, is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America that has glossy, dark green leaves. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a moderate growth rate. The Clusia is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering. It is perfect for making hedges. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and is a great choice for adding lush dark greens to your garden.
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
I was searching for a better plant source and after checking the internet, the consensus by most locals was to check out Dino's Palms. I have ordered multiple times and every plant I have gotten has been above expectations with health and fullness. The customer service is excellent! I am kind of blown away at how great this company is and will continue to use this as my main plant connection.
Excellent communication and awesome product! At an incredible price too! We're really happy with our new palm trees 🌴 Thank you so much!
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.
