Overview
Wax myrtle is a fast-growing Florida native evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic narrow leaves and gray wax-coated berries on female plants. It handles a wide range of Florida conditions.
Mature Size and Growth
Standard plants reach 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. Smaller cultivars suit compact spaces. Multi-trunk growth responds well to selective thinning.
Where to Use It
Use for natural privacy screens, wildlife buffers, rain-garden edges, small trees, or informal hedges. It works well where a softer native screen fits better than a tightly clipped hedge.
Light, Soil, and Water
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Wax myrtle accepts sand, occasional flooding, drought, and salt exposure after establishment. Water deeply during the first growing season.
Best Time to Plant and Care
Plant from fall through early spring. Thin crowded trunks and remove weak attachments while young. Avoid topping or constant shearing, which creates dense outer growth and weak interior branches.
Wildlife and Landscape Value
Berries feed many bird species, and dense branches provide nesting cover. The plant serves as a host for several moths and strengthens native habitat.
Important Considerations
Wax myrtle is fire-sensitive because foliage contains aromatic oils. Keep it out of defensible zones near structures in wildfire-prone areas. Female fruiting requires nearby male pollination. Learn more from Florida Native Plant Society.
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.