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Clusia Pitch Apple is a salt-tolerant evergreen that can grow as a privacy hedge or small tree. Ideal for coastal properties and Southwest Florida landscapes.
| Mature Height: | 15-25 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 10-20 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Needs: | Low to Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Clusia rosea |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA 10-11 |
Clusia Pitch Apple – An Evergreen for Privacy Hedges and Coastal Landscapes
Provides year-round foliage and tolerates coastal conditions. Suitable for tall privacy screens, property borders, and larger planting areas.
Clusia Pitch Apple is a large evergreen shrub or small tree known for its thick, glossy green leaves and dense branching growth. It can be maintained as a tall privacy hedge or allowed to develop into a spreading tree. In Southwest Florida, its salt tolerance and year-round foliage make it useful for coastal properties, privacy screens, and larger landscape beds. Botanically known as Clusia rosea, typically grows 15–30 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide when allowed to develop naturally. Regular pruning can maintain it as a smaller, dense hedge, although it requires more growing space than compact Clusia varieties.
This plant grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It adapts to Southwest Florida's sandy landscape conditions and tolerates coastal salt spray. Its thick, leathery leaves help it withstand exposed growing conditions.
For privacy hedges, plants can generally be spaced 4–6 feet apart, depending on their starting size and desired coverage. Allow adequate room for the hedge to develop without crowding nearby fences, buildings, or walkways. When grown as a tree, provide significantly more space for its mature canopy.
Newly planted Clusia Pitch Apple requires regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants tolerate short dry periods and generally need additional irrigation during extended drought. Avoid prolonged standing water around the roots.
Clusia Pitch Apple grows at a moderate rate and responds well to pruning. Regular trimming encourages branching and helps maintain a dense privacy screen. Untrimmed plants may develop large, spreading branches and aerial roots.
Mature plants may produce large white to pinkish flowers followed by rounded fruits that split open to reveal reddish seeds. Fallen fruit and unwanted seedlings may require cleanup in maintained landscapes.
Why You'll Love It
Dense Privacy Coverage: Thick evergreen leaves and closely spaced branches help create tall screens between neighboring properties and outdoor living areas.
Excellent Coastal Tolerance: Handles salt spray and sandy soil, making it suitable for coastal landscapes in Southwest Florida.
Hedge or Tree Growth: Can be maintained as a tall privacy hedge or allowed to develop into a larger spreading tree.
Year-Round Foliage: Maintains thick, glossy green leaves throughout the year, providing consistent landscape coverage.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for different residential and commercial planting locations.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and additional irrigation during extended dry periods once mature.
Mature Size: Approximately 15–30 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide when grown naturally. Regular pruning can maintain a smaller hedge.
Best Uses: Coastal properties, privacy hedges, property boundaries, large backyard beds, commercial landscapes, open lawn areas, and wide landscape borders.
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