The wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) is a popular and resilient shrub or small tree for landscape use. This native plant is prized for its evergreen foliage, which is aromatic when crushed, releasing a distinctive bayberry scent. Its adaptability to a wide variety of conditions, including poor soil and salt spray, makes it a desirable choice for hedging, screening, or as an attractive specimen plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11.
Optimal Timing for Planting
The best time to plant a wax myrtle is during the mild temperatures of either fall or early spring. This allows the plant to establish a robust root system before facing environmental stress.
Fall planting is preferred in warmer climates (Zones 9-11) because the soil remains warm enough for root growth while cooler air minimizes stress. This extended period of root establishment before summer heat provides a significant advantage.
Conversely, early spring planting is safer in cooler parts of its hardiness range (Zones 7-8), giving the plant time to acclimate before winter. Avoid planting during the extremes of mid-summer heat or mid-winter deep frost, which can damage new roots or cause severe moisture stress.
Site Preparation and Selection
Wax myrtle is adaptable, but selecting the right location and preparing the soil will encourage the densest growth and best health. This plant thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Specimens grown in full sun (at least six hours of direct light) typically develop denser foliage. It tolerates varied environments, from wet, swampy areas to dry, sandy uplands.
The shrub prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil contains heavy clay, drainage can be improved by incorporating organic matter like compost. To check drainage, dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water; if the water takes more than four hours to drain, the soil needs amending.
Consider the mature size of the wax myrtle, which can reach 15 to 25 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Space multiple plants 6 to 10 feet apart for a dense hedge to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
The physical planting process for a container-grown wax myrtle begins with digging the appropriate hole. The hole should be dug two to three times as wide as the root ball, but no deeper, which encourages roots to spread horizontally into the surrounding native soil.
Carefully remove the plant from its container. If the roots are tightly coiled or root-bound, gently score the root ball’s sides in a few places or tease the outer roots apart with your fingers.
Position the plant in the center of the hole so that the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding grade. This slight elevation, known as planting high, prevents the root collar from sinking below the soil line and becoming waterlogged after settling. Backfill the hole with the original soil, ensuring you fill around the sides of the root ball, and gently tamp the soil to eliminate large air pockets.
Initial Establishment Care
The most important step immediately following planting is a deep and thorough initial watering. This first saturation settles the soil around the roots and immediately hydrates the plant. For the first year, a consistent watering schedule is necessary to transition the wax myrtle to the landscape.
Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Regular moisture during this first year helps develop a strong, deep root system, though the plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
Apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk or root collar to prevent rot. Avoid applying fertilizer during this initial establishment phase, as the wax myrtle is a nitrogen-fixing plant.