Wax Myrtle vs. Eagleston Holly vs. Simpson’s Stopper for an Orlando Hedge

September 22 2026, by Andrew Norouzian, 8 min reading time

Wax Myrtle vs. Eagleston Holly vs. Simpson’s Stopper for an Orlando Hedge

Choosing the right privacy hedge in Orlando means balancing speed, appearance, mature size, and maintenance. **Wax myrtle, Eagleston holly, and Simpson’s stopper** can all make excellent living screens, but each has a different role in a Central Florida landscape.

Choose **wax myrtle** for the fastest, more natural-looking screen; **Eagleston holly** for a tall, polished hedge; and **Simpson’s stopper** for a Florida-native hedge with flowers, berries, and a tidier footprint. Simpson’s stopper is specifically recommended as a Central Florida hedge option, while wax myrtle and Eagleston holly are also well suited to Florida screening applications.[1][7][11]

## Quick Comparison

| Feature | Wax Myrtle | Eagleston Holly | Simpson’s Stopper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | *Morella cerifera* | *Ilex x attenuata* ‘Eagleston’ | *Myrcianthes fragrans* |
| Hedge style | Informal, natural, soft-textured | Formal or semi-formal, upright | Natural or lightly formal, fine-textured |
| Growth speed | Fast | Moderate | Slow to moderate |
| Mature height | About 10–20 feet | Often about 18–20 feet | Often 6–12 feet as a hedge; potentially larger if unpruned [2][3] |
| Best for | Fast coverage and large property lines | Tall, upscale privacy screens | Native hedges, wildlife value, and narrower spaces |
| Foliage | Aromatic, gray-green | Glossy, deep green | Evergreen, fine-textured green leaves |
| Flowers and fruit | Wildlife-friendly berries | Red berries under suitable pollination conditions | White flowers and colorful red berries [1] |
| Recommended hedge spacing | Varies by desired screen width | About 6–8 feet apart [11] | About 3–5 feet apart [1] |

## Wax Myrtle: Best for Fast Privacy

**Wax myrtle** is an excellent choice when your primary goal is to fill in a fence line quickly. This Florida-native evergreen can grow rapidly, creating a dense, soft-looking screen that feels more natural than a tightly sheared hedge. It performs in full sun to partial shade and can be especially effective on large lots, long side boundaries, and backyard property lines.[8][12]

Its aromatic foliage and informal structure make wax myrtle a good fit for homeowners who want privacy without a rigid green wall. It can also work as a windbreak and tolerates a range of Florida conditions, including sandy sites and periodically damp areas once established.[9][12]

Choose wax myrtle if you want:

- Faster privacy coverage  
- A native Florida screen  
- A relaxed, natural hedge style  
- A hedge for a long property line  
- Fragrant foliage and wildlife value  
- A plant that can become a broad shrub or small multi-trunk tree  

The tradeoff is width. Wax myrtle needs room to develop, so it is usually not the best choice for a very narrow side yard or a location near a walkway.

## Eagleston Holly: Best for a Formal Hedge

**Eagleston holly** is the best choice of the three when you want an elegant, structured privacy screen. Its glossy foliage, upright habit, and naturally dense growth create a more refined look for front yards, pool areas, upscale residential landscapes, and highly visible property lines.[11]

Unlike wax myrtle, Eagleston holly has a more formal presence. It can be lightly shaped to maintain a uniform green wall or allowed to mature into a taller evergreen screen with a more tree-like form. Flowing Well Tree Farm recommends spacing plants approximately 6 to 8 feet apart for a hedge or privacy screen.[11]

Choose Eagleston holly if you want:

- A polished, upscale hedge  
- Glossy, dark-green evergreen foliage  
- Strong vertical screening  
- A tall privacy barrier  
- A plant that works in formal and semi-formal designs  
- Less of a wild or loose appearance than wax myrtle  

Eagleston holly is not the quickest option for instant coverage, but it offers excellent long-term structure and curb appeal.

## Simpson’s Stopper: Best Native Hedge

**Simpson’s stopper** is one of the best Florida-native choices for an Orlando hedge. It provides evergreen foliage, fragrant white spring flowers, colorful berries, and a more restrained growth habit than wax myrtle.[2][1]

This plant can be pruned into a tidy hedge, used as a small tree, or allowed to take on a softer natural shape. It tolerates severe pruning, although frequent trimming can reduce flowering and fruiting. For hedge planting, University of Florida guidance recommends spacing Simpson’s stopper about 3 to 5 feet apart.[1]

Choose Simpson’s stopper if you want:

- A true Florida-native hedge  
- White flowers and berries for seasonal interest  
- Wildlife value for birds and pollinators  
- A hedge for a narrow side yard  
- A manageable 6- to 12-foot privacy screen  
- A clean look without the size and spread of wax myrtle  

Simpson’s stopper is generally slower than wax myrtle, so it is better for homeowners willing to wait for a high-quality screen rather than needing immediate coverage.[5][2]

## Which Is Best for Orlando?

For most Orlando homeowners, the best hedge depends on the specific job.

| If You Need… | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The fastest natural screen | Wax myrtle | Fast growth and broad, dense foliage |
| A formal privacy wall | Eagleston holly | Glossy foliage and upright, structured growth |
| A Florida-native hedge with flowers | Simpson’s stopper | Native evergreen leaves, white blooms, and red berries [1] |
| A hedge for a narrow side yard | Simpson’s stopper | More restrained size and 3–5 foot hedge spacing [1][2] |
| A tall screen near a fence line | Eagleston holly or wax myrtle | Both can provide substantial height |
| A large natural property boundary | Wax myrtle | Broad, fast-growing, informal screening |
| A polished front-yard planting | Eagleston holly | Clean, refined year-round appearance |
| A wildlife-friendly planting | Simpson’s stopper or wax myrtle | Native value, berries, and habitat potential [1][9] |

## Best Uses by Landscape Style

### Formal Orlando Landscape

Plant **Eagleston holly** if your home has clean lines, manicured beds, a pool enclosure, or a visible front-yard privacy need. The dark green foliage makes an attractive backdrop for flowering shrubs, palms, ornamental grasses, and seasonal color.

For a more complete landscape plan, read [Eagleston Holly: The Perfect Evergreen for Florida Landscapes](https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/blogs/plant-blog/eagleston-holly-the-perfect-evergreen-for-florida-landscapes).

### Natural Florida Landscape

Plant **wax myrtle** when you want fast screening with a softer look. It works especially well behind native shrubs, along a backyard boundary, or in a layered planting with smaller flowering plants in front.

Wax myrtle is a practical choice where there is space to let plants grow naturally instead of continually shearing them into a narrow wall.

### Native, Tidy Hedge

Plant **Simpson’s stopper** when you want privacy, native character, and a more manageable footprint. It is an especially strong choice near patios, walkways, front entries, and side yards where a broad-growing wax myrtle could become too large.[2][9]

## Planting Tips

Planting technique has a major effect on whether a hedge fills in evenly and stays healthy.

1. Measure the length of the planting area and decide on your finished hedge height before purchasing plants.
2. Choose a site with appropriate sunlight, drainage, and enough room for the hedge’s mature width.
3. Space plants according to their mature size rather than placing them too close for instant privacy.
4. Plant each shrub at the same depth it was growing in its container.
5. Water deeply after planting and regularly during the establishment period.
6. Mulch the root zone, but keep mulch several inches away from stems and trunks.
7. Use light tip-pruning after establishment to encourage lower branching and a fuller screen.

## Create a Layered Screen

For a more resilient and attractive Orlando privacy planting, consider using more than one species. A mixed hedge can look more natural, provide different textures, and reduce the risk of losing the entire screen to one pest, disease, or weather event.

For example, use wax myrtle along the back of a larger property line, add Simpson’s stopper in areas closer to a patio or walkway, and use Eagleston holly where a taller, more formal focal screen is needed. This approach creates privacy while giving the landscape more depth and year-round interest.

## Find the Right Hedge

Wax myrtle, Eagleston holly, and Simpson’s stopper all work in Orlando landscapes—but they serve different priorities. Wax myrtle is the fast, natural option; Eagleston holly provides a formal and upscale screen; and Simpson’s stopper delivers native beauty in a manageable hedge.

Explore [Florida-grown privacy plants at Flowing Well Tree Farm](https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/collections/all), or browse our related guide, [Eagleston Holly vs. Wax Myrtle: Which Hedge Is Best for Florida Privacy?](https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/blogs/plant-blog/eagleston-holly-vs-wax-myrtle-hedge).

Sources
[1] Simpson's Stopper - UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/simpsons-stopper/
[2] Simpson's Stopper as a Privacy Hedge https://www.mrclusia.com/blog/simpsons-stopper-privacy-hedge/
[3] Simpson's Stopper https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/simpsons-stopper.html
[4] How to Grow and Care for Simpson’s Stopper in Florida https://pindersnursery.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-simpsons-stopper-in-florida/
[5] Simpson’s Stopper in Florida - Tropicaire Homestead https://tropicairehomestead.com/plants/simpsons-stopper/
[6] Types of Native Hedge Plants for Florida Gardens ... https://cultivatingflora.com/types-of-native-hedge-plants-for-florida-gardens/
[7] Best Hedge Plants for Florida Privacy Screens - Cultivating Flora https://cultivatingflora.com/best-hedge-plants-for-florida-privacy-screens/
[8] Top Hedges for South Florida Gardeners - Green Packs https://greenpacks.org/best-hedges-for-south-florida/
[9] 7 Florida Native Privacy Trees and Shrubs That Block the View ... https://completegardening.com/7-florida-native-privacy-trees-and-shrubs-that-block-the-view-while-feeding-birds-and-butterflies-fdede8ae/
[10] The Native Florida Privacy Plants That Screen Your Yard ... https://completegardening.com/the-native-florida-privacy-plants-that-screen-your-yard-without-bamboo-taking-over-auto-f64c36c8/
[11] Eagleston Holly: The Perfect Evergreen for Florida Landscapes https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/blogs/plant-blog/eagleston-holly-the-perfect-evergreen-for-florida-landscapes
[12] BOGO SALE Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) - Flowing Well Tree Farm https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/products/wax-myrtle-morella-cerifera

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email