Mertie, also known as Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans), is a versatile and attractive plant native to Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. This evergreen can serve various landscaping purposes, functioning as a large shrub or a small tree. Its adaptability to different growing conditions makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a plant that offers aesthetic appeal and can thrive in warmer climates.
Understanding Mertie (Simpson’s Stopper)
Mertie typically grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 5 to 20 feet. Its growth habit can be dense when planted in full sun, while partial shade might lead to a less dense canopy, showcasing its ornamental bark. The leaves are small, rounded to oval, and a deep green, releasing a pleasant nutmeg or citrus-like aroma when crushed.
The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers with numerous stamens, which typically bloom in spring but can appear sporadically throughout the year in warm climates. These blossoms are followed by small, round berries that start green and mature into a vibrant reddish-orange hue. The berries often appear in pairs, contributing to one of its common names, “twinberry.” Another distinctive feature is its smooth, reddish-brown bark, which naturally exfoliates, adding visual interest year-round.
Planting Mertie
Mertie thrives in full sun to partial shade; more sun exposure can lead to a denser plant and more abundant blooms. Mertie is adaptable to various soil types, but it prefers well-draining conditions, including sandy or calcareous soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Before planting, prepare the soil by ensuring good drainage; while it tolerates some moisture, prolonged waterlogged conditions should be avoided. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and approximately the same depth. Gently remove the plant from its container, place it in the prepared hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly higher than the surrounding ground. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and provide initial moisture.
Ongoing Care for Mertie
Once established, Mertie is drought tolerant, requiring minimal additional irrigation. However, during its first year after planting, consistent moisture is beneficial, so water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. While fertilization is not always necessary for healthy growth, applying a balanced granular fertilizer in the spring can promote more vigorous development and flowering.
Pruning Mertie helps maintain its desired shape and size, and it tolerates severe pruning well, making it suitable for hedges or formal shapes. Pruning can be done as needed, and its slow growth rate means it requires little maintenance.
The plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Occasionally, stressed plants might experience guava rust disease, which appears as rusty spores on new growth and can be treated with an appropriate fungicide. In cooler zones (USDA zone 8b), some protection might be needed during periods of unusual frost, though the plant is hardy down to about 25°F.
Benefits and Uses of Mertie
Mertie is a versatile plant for landscape use. Its dense, evergreen foliage makes it an excellent choice for creating hedges, privacy screens, or windbreaks. It can also be grown as a striking specimen plant, showcasing its attractive bark and year-round interest.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Mertie provides ecological benefits. Its fragrant white flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The small, reddish-orange berries that follow the blooms serve as a food source for numerous bird species, such as mockingbirds, blue jays, and cardinals, enhancing garden biodiversity. Its adaptability, drought tolerance, and ease of care contribute to its popularity for creating resilient outdoor spaces.