Common Name: Wax Myrtle
Scientific Name: Myrica cerifera
Order: Myricales
Family: Myrsinaceae
Description Southern wax myrtle typically has thin, olive-green leaves with serrated edges going around the entire leaf. These leaves are simple, alternate, oblong in shape, and about 2-4 inches long at maturity. The veins of southern wax myrtle leaves are pinnate extending laterally from the midrib vein of the leaf. These leaves are evergreen but do have an aromatic fragrance. Multiple trunks covered in a grayish-white bark droop to give this plant a showy appearance. Younger stems will appear lighter in color. This plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female trees, with inconspicuous green flowers. Its fruit is a fleshy drupe about ¼ inches wide, grayish-blue in color, and found densely clustered along the branches in the fall. This fruit is covered by a waxy coat and eaten by birds in the winter.
Growth Habit Southern wax myrtle is usually grown as trees or shrubs and can develop as tall and wide as 35 feet but typically only seen in the 15 to 20 foot range. This evergreen has extremely dense, irregular foliage, takes on a circular vase shape, and has moderate to fine texture. These plants grow extremely rapidly. Southern wax myrtle has been known to grow up to five total feet in overall spread and height in a single growing season.
Hardiness Zone(s) This plant is found in zones 7 through 11.
Culture Southern wax myrtle is a relatively low maintenance plant. When first planted, it requires regular watering to get its footing. It grows best in full sun but can stand partial shade. It does well in just about any soil type including clay, sand, loam, alkaline, and acidic soils. While it can tolerate rain and flooding it does not flourish in excessive drought. Southern wax myrtle has a good salt tolerance and takes well to pruning once or twice a year. The seeds germinate easily and can even be taken from the wild and planted elsewhere if given proper care and attention. Though not always necessary, tip cuttings have proven to positively affect the overall plant.
Diseases & Insects While this plant is generally pest free, from time to time it may have problems with pests like caterpillars and mites eating its new foliage. In some environments webworms can cause problems but are easily eliminated by pruning. Older branches and trunks sometimes killed by cankers.
Landscape Value Due to their overall toughness and low maintenance, southern wax myrtle is an ideal landscape plant. Many homeowners use these plants as screens to enclose an area. Due to their thick foliage, they provide a good source of shade as well. They look stunning around patios or terraces. Cities have also taken to southern wax myrtle for use around highways and parks. Some have even used these versatile plants near beach homes due to their hardy characteristics. These plants are of excellent ornamental value.
References Dehgan, B. 1998. Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 656 pp. Gilman, Edward, and Dennis Watson. 2014. "Myrica cerifera: Southern Waxmyrtle. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, EDIS. Online.
This document was authored by Kayla Fontenot, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, April 2015.