Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) — A fast-growing native evergreen tree or large shrub with aromatic olive-green foliage and blue-gray waxy berries, excellent for quick screening, hedges, and naturalized landscapes.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Morella cerifera (syn. Myrica cerifera)
• Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall × 8–12 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (3–5 ft per year)
• Bloom Color: Insignificant; blue-gray waxy berries on female plants (fall–winter)
• Foliage: Evergreen — aromatic olive-green

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Low — drought and flood tolerant
• Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates wet, dry, sandy, and clay soils
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 7–11

Why Choose Wax Myrtle?

• Native southeastern plant — adapted to local conditions
• Fastest-growing native evergreen screen available
• Salt tolerant and coastal friendly
• Waxy berries attract birds; aromatic foliage deters insects

Care Tips

Plant in any location — wax myrtle is one of the most adaptable native plants. Can be maintained as a shrub with annual pruning or allowed to grow into a small tree. Prune in late winter to shape. Tolerates hard pruning. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil.