Wax Myrtle is a small evergreen tree making a lovely background plant or large shrub/hedge depending on the training of this Florida native. It is noted as being hurricane wind resistant and drought tolerant. It blooms from Spring to Fall and the fruits ripen in late summer to early fall. It attracts birds, other wildlife and is the larval host for banded hairstreak and red-banded hairstreak butterflies.
How to care for Wax Myrtle
Light. Full sun or part sun. It does best in full sun.
Water. Keep the soil evenly moist while it establishes. Once rooted in, it handles both wet spots and long dry periods.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sand, loam or lime rock. Its roots fix nitrogen like a legume, so it tolerates poor, sandy soil.
Size. Grows 10 ft or more, usually 10–15 ft tall and about 8 ft wide.
Pruning. Shape it as a hedge, a screen, or a small tree with the lower limbs removed. Next season's berries form on old growth, so heavy pruning reduces fruit.
Problems to watch. No serious pests. Watch for leaf spot (anthracnose). Cold snaps can brown leaves or cause some leaf drop. It suckers and can spread into a clump.
Good to know. A Florida native that takes salty wind, which makes it useful near the coast. Berries need both male and female plants. The foliage is flammable, so keep it away from the house in fire-prone spots.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Wax Myrtle · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Morella cerifera · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Myrica cerifera
