Schaefferia frutescens, the Florida-boxwood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, that is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from southern Florida in the United States, south through the Caribbean to Central America and northwestern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador), and also Veracruz in Mexico. It grows at close to sea level in Florida, and up to 600 m altitude in Puerto Rico.It is an evergreen shrub or rarely a small tree growing to 4–5 m tall (exceptionally to 8 m), usually with several stems from the base; stem size is up to 18 cm diameter. The bark is smooth light gray, roughened by many narrow ridges. The leaves are leathery, yellow-green, 4–7 cm long and 12–25 mm broad. The flowers are small, pale green to whitish, produced in small clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is an orange-red to red berry 4–8 mm diameter.
Florida boxwood is resistant to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly easy to maintain. Planted outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Florida boxwood is suitable for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Schaefferia Frutescens.
Light
Florida boxwood naturally occurs in places like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can grow in full sun or full shade, showing its versatile, hardy nature.
Temperature
Florida boxwood comes from tropical areas, where conditions are generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high heat and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature swings indoors is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs warmer temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is vital for the care of Florida boxwood. Regular applications during the growing season supply the energy required for showy foliage and help support overall growth. Failing to fertilize can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is likely to break.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Schaefferia
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 4.57 m to 7.62 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m to 4.57 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Colombia, Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Jamaica
