Wax myrtle is a fast-growing, dense evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States that thrives in hardiness zones 7 through 10. This nitrogen-fixing plant typically reaches 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, though it can occasionally grow tree-like to 20 feet or taller, creating a substantial presence in the landscape. Highly adaptable once established, it survives everything from wet swampy soils to dry uplands, handles salt spray and coastal conditions with ease, and asks for little maintenance once rooted. Its fragrant but inconspicuous flowers arrive in late winter through early spring, giving way to showy waxy berries that birds and butterflies adore. For gardeners seeking a tough, low-fuss shrub that handles neglect, poor soil, and difficult sites where other plants struggle, wax myrtle delivers.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-10
180in H x 120in W
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High
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This shrub fixes its own nitrogen from the air, a superpower that lets it thrive in depleted soils where conventional plants falter. Its semi-evergreen to fully evergreen foliage persists through winter in most of its range, and once established it tolerates everything from soggy ground to drought and coastal salt spray without complaint. Birds flock to its showy berries in winter, while butterflies visit its early spring blooms, bringing wildlife movement and life to your garden year-round.
Wax myrtle serves as an excellent hedging shrub, creating dense screens and windbreaks. Its tolerance of coastal conditions, salt spray, and high winds makes it invaluable for seaside gardens and exposed sites. The plant's ability to prevent erosion while thriving in wet or disturbed soils also positions it as a restoration species in native plant landscapes and rain gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Wax myrtle's dense, irregular branching habit creates a full shrub with minimal intervention. Prune to shape or contain suckering growth if needed, though the plant naturally develops a thick canopy without heavy pruning. Remove any winter-damaged foliage in spring once new growth emerges.
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“Wax myrtle is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from New Jersey south through Florida and the Gulf States to Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. This native plant has been used by regional gardeners and landscapers for generations, valued for its ability to stabilize eroding sites and grow in conditions where introduced ornamentals fail. Its ecological role as a nitrogen-fixer was historically important in maintaining poor soils, and this natural adaptation continues to benefit modern landscapes.”