Wax Myrtle
Myrica cerifera
Description:
Drought and salt-tolerant evergreen shrub. Great as a screening plant. Sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, sandy soils but tolerates a range of soil types from sand to clay. Normally maintained at about 10 to 15 feet tall but can grow taller. Bluish white berries yield fragrant wax for candles.
Plant Overview:
| Other Common Names: | Southern Wax Myrtle, Southern Bayberry |
| Plant Family: | Myricaceae |
| Plant Duration: | Perennial |
| Plant Type: | Shrubs/Subshrub |
| South Jersey Native Range: | South Jersey, Pine Barrens |
| Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: | Butterflies, Birds |
| Bloom Time: | March and April |
| Fruit Timing: | Fall |
| Global and State Rank: | S4, G5 |
| Commercially available landscape plant? | Yes |
Soil Characteristics: | |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loam, Clay |
| Soil Moisture: | Wet, Moist |
| Soil pH: | Slightly Alkaline, Neutral, Slightly Acidic, Acidic |
Light Needs: | |
| Opitmal Light: | Sun to partial shade |
| Light Range: | Sun, Partial Shade |
Water Needs of Plant: | |
| Soil Moisture: | Wet, Moist |