The wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera or Moreella cerifera) is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree, valued for its aromatic foliage and adaptability. It offers year-round greenery and serves various landscape purposes, from privacy screens to accent plants.
Ideal Planting Seasons
The best times for planting wax myrtle are fall and early spring. These seasons offer cooler temperatures and consistent moisture, helping the plant establish a strong root system before extreme weather. Fall planting allows roots to grow through cooler months, preparing for summer heat. Early spring planting enables root development before intense summer temperatures.
Planting during the summer or winter presents greater challenges. High summer temperatures can cause significant heat stress, leading to increased water demands and potential wilting. Conversely, planting in winter, especially in colder regions, risks frost heave, where freezing and thawing cycles can push newly planted roots out of the ground. While wax myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7-11, extreme cold can still cause leaf browning or defoliation. Establishing roots during mild conditions improves the plant’s chances of thriving long-term.
Site Selection and Preparation
Selecting an appropriate location is important for wax myrtle growth. This plant prefers full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, to encourage denser foliage and optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, though growth may be less vigorous.
Wax myrtle adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, and tolerates wet conditions or poor fertility. It thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0. Before planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. This encourages roots to spread horizontally. If soil is very dense, amending it with sand or organic matter can improve drainage and aeration.
Planting Process
When ready to plant, carefully remove the wax myrtle from its container. Gently squeeze the sides of the container to loosen the root ball, then grasp the plant by its base and carefully lift it out. If the roots appear tightly bound or are circling the root ball, gently loosen some of the feeder roots to encourage outward growth into the new soil.
Place the plant in the prepared hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or slightly above the surrounding ground level. This allows for future settling and prevents the plant from being planted too deep, which can lead to root suffocation. Begin backfilling the hole with soil, tamping gently as you go to remove any large air pockets around the root ball. Avoid piling soil directly on top of the root ball.
Post-Planting Care for Establishment
After planting, immediate and consistent watering is important for establishment. Deeply soak the entire planting area, ensuring the root ball and surrounding soil are thoroughly moistened to the root ball’s height. During the first growing season, especially the initial weeks, monitor soil moisture regularly. Water once every 1-2 weeks, or more frequently during dry periods or intense heat, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. Continue to observe the plant for any signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or discoloration, which might indicate a need for adjusted watering. Once established, typically after one to two growing seasons, wax myrtle becomes quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent supplemental watering.