The Story
Plant Bio
Myrica cerifera is an upright, multi-trunked evergreen shrub native to coastal and southern North America, reaching heights of ten to twenty feet in cultivation. The leathery, olive-green leaves are studded with resin glands and emit a spicy, piquant fragrance when crushed.
This species is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants in proximity for the female specimens to produce their signature waxy, grayish-white winter berries. The root system hosts nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes, allowing the plant to thrive in nutrient-poor, sandy, or heavily waterlogged soils.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118"
Width
98"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moist to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America, Central America, Caribbean
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late winter – Early spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, acidic to mildly alkaline soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, maintaining consistent moisture during establishment.
- Avoid applying supplemental nitrogen fertilizers, as the roots naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun to maximize crown density and berry production, and avoid dry interior shade which causes sparse, leggy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune in late winter before spring growth begins to shape the canopy or maintain a formal hedge.
- Ensure both male and female plants are present if winter berries are desired.
- Grow in wet or poorly drained areas where other shrubs struggle with temporary flooding.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily outside the dormant late-winter window.
- Do not over-fertilize, which can disrupt the natural nitrogen-fixing root nodules.
- Do not plant in deep, dry shade where growth becomes thin and weak.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wax Myrtle questions
What zones can Wax Myrtle grow in?
Wax Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wax Myrtle deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Wax Myrtle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Wax Myrtle bloom?
Wax Myrtle typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wax Myrtle need full sun?
Wax Myrtle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Wax Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wax Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Myrica to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Wax Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.