It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. Southern Wax Myrtle will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. Southern Wax Myrtle is recommended for the following landscape applications Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and may require the occasional pruning to look its best.

Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. Southern Wax Myrtle is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with a more or less rounded form. The fragrant narrow leaves remain grayish green throughout the winter. It features subtle chartreuse catkins along the branches from late winter to early spring. It features an abundance of magnificent blue berries from mid summer to mid fall. Southern Wax Myrtle is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. Water only at the tree’s base and keep the bark, branches, and leaves dry.Select a male and female plant to produce the ornamental waxy-blue berries the berries are a high energy food source for birds tolerant of wet or dry, infertile soil aromatic foliage repels insects an overall great choice best pruning in late winter Each can be dealt with using preventative measures. There are also infrequent issues with leaf anthracnose, leaf spot, and leaf mosaic. They are also hardy and tolerant of most conditions, but high pH soils can cause the leaves’ yellowing. There are a few common pests that can afflict a wax myrtle tree, including whiteflies and spider mites. Along with dead or diseased branches, you might want to remove any that are crossed or rubbing against each other. But if you decide to remove significant portions of your tree, you should do so in winter when the plant is dormant. Know that this species responds well to heavy pruning. If you are shaping your tree into a desired shape or form or a hedge, you may also choose to trim the tree. You may need to prune your tree to remove dead or diseased branches. Wax myrtle trees require little ongoing maintenance. Bees and butterflies aid in pollination when both types of trees are present. Only the female trees will produce berries. These trees are dioecious, meaning the male and female flowers are on different trees. Cooler locales have blooms from April to June. Wax myrtle trees bloom in March and April in warmer climates. If you notice that your wax myrtle is not growing as fast as it should, you can try adding nitrogen to the soil to encourage more vigorous growth. Wax myrtle trees are not heavy feeders but do enjoy the addition of some iron and sulfur. Keeping the rootball and surrounding soil moist is ideal.

During especially dry periods, water deeply and less frequently than daily waterings. Once established, the trees will tolerate extreme conditions such as drought and flooding. Young wax myrtle trees need moist soil when they are first establishing roots. Just be sure to avoid any mulch touching the tree’s base. It will help with water collection and retention, as will adding a layer of mulch. Use the leftover soil to make a wall several inches high around the edges of the planting hole. Continue backfilling with the soil until you’ve reached the top. Fill the hole with water, letting it drain. Tamp the soil down around the roots as you go, stopping when it is half full. Hold the tree straight while returning the soil to the hole. Add some soil to the bottom of the hole if you need additional height. Line up the rootball’s top edge so that it sits just above the surrounding soil. Loosen the tree’s roots with your fingers before placing the tree into the hole. Amend the soil you’ve removed for drainage, moisture retention, and nutrients. Dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as your tree’s rootball and the same depth. If you are planting more than one tree, space them six to 12 feet apart. These trees are perfect choices for coastal settings as they are very tolerant of salt and sand. Wax myrtle trees like acidic, moist, and well-draining soil. By John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on January 18, 2022Ĭhoose a site with full sun to partial shade where its shallow roots won’t be disturbed.

Wax myrtle size