Disclaimer: Please note that not all plants and trees are permitted in all residential areas. Homeowners are responsible for consulting their Homeowners Association (HOA) rules to ensure compliance before planting.
The Wax Myrtle is native to Florida and is formed by multiple twisted trunks and smooth, aromatic olive green leaves. Itās quick-growing and commonly used as either a small tree or a shrub, with the capabilities of reaching heights greater than 20 feet with an equivalent spread. Although a tough and easily grown variety, the Wax Myrtleās multiple trunks may not withstand strong winds. You can prune the Wax Myrtle to help build a stronger structure.
Butterflies and bees will flock to this tree. Birds such as wild turkey, quail, waterfowl, catbirds, bluebirds and warblers are attracted to the pale blue berries that the female plants grow in the fall and maintain throughout the winter. If you want berries, you must have male plants close enough to the berry-producing female plants for pollination to occur. At Cherrylake, we start our liners with eight seeds per liner cell, making it possible (but not guaranteed) to get both male and female plants in the same container.
They grow best in full sun with well-draining soil and are salt tolerant, making it suitable for seaside applications.
Mature Height:
15 to 25 feet
Mature Spread:
20 to 25 feet
Sun Preference:
Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference:
Sand, humus (organic, upland), Loam, Lime rock, Acidic to circum-neutral, well-drained
Drought Tolerance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerance:
Moderate
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Native Origin:
Florida Native
Hardiness Zone:
7b - 11
Pollinator Friendly:
Yes
Scientific Name
:
Myrica cerifera
Features:
Fast growing; Good screening hedge; Attracts birds