Also known as Wax Myrtle · 64 saves
Morella
Morella, the genus most gardeners know as wax myrtle. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Morella varieties
2 species of Morella
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Morella in Sow
Save the Morella you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Morella
Whats common across all Morella varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Morella year
- PruneFebruary–April100% of varieties
Prune in late winter to shape; perform light shearing in summer if needed.
- PlantApril, May, October, November and December75% of varieties
Plant container-grown or B&B shrubs in fall or early spring.
- MulchApril50% of varieties
Apply mulch after planting to conserve moisture, but it's not required once established.
Do
- Water regularly during the first growing season.
- Prune as needed in late winter to maintain desired size and shape.
- Plant in groups to create an effective screen or hedge.
- Tolerate its tendency to sucker to form a natural thicket.
- Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Avoid
- Don't plant in heavily alkaline soils.
- Avoid excessive fertilization; it fixes its own nitrogen.
- Don't plant where its suckering habit will be a problem.
- Don't shear into a tight, formal shape, which spoils its natural form.
What goes wrong with Morella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Webworms | Silken tents or webs enclosing foliage, often with caterpillars inside. | Prune out and destroy affected branches. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to foliage. |
| Aphids | Curled, distorted leaves on tender new growth accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Knock them off with a strong spray of water from a garden hose or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine yellow stippling on the leaves and delicate webbing on the undersides of foliage. | Increase humidity around the foliage and apply horticultural oil during cool morning hours. |
| Scale insects | Small, immobile waxy bumps on stems and branches, leading to localized dieback. | Prune away heavily infested twigs or apply a light horticultural oil spray to suffocate the pests. |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves, can lead to leaf drop. | Generally not serious. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Improve air circulation. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Wilting foliage, branch dieback, and rapid decline, particularly in wet, heavy soils. | Ensure excellent soil drainage and avoid overwatering or planting in low-lying, soggy areas. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on the surfaces of leaves during humid, stagnant weather. | Prune inner branches to improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Morella
Seed
- Collect berries in fall and remove the waxy coating.
- Cold stratify seeds for 90 days in moist sand.
- Sow seeds in spring in a prepared seedbed.
- Germination can be slow and erratic.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings from current season's growth in late summer.
- Wound the base and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a mix of sand and peat.
- Keep moist and under high humidity for 8-12 weeks.
Morella questions
How many types of Morella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Morella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 64 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Morella grow in?
Across its varieties, Morella covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Morella bloom?
Most Morella varieties bloom in mid-spring, early spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Morella should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.