![]() ![]() Follow these steps for successful propagation:ġ) Remove the leaves from the lower half of a wax myrtle branch and leave it to dry out.Ģ) After one week, remove the branch using a sharp knife or pruning shears. Wax myrtles can be propagated by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from new growth in late winter or early spring. ![]() Aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, spider mites, and scale may infest wax myrtles however, these pests rarely become severe enough to require chemical control. Insects and diseases are rarely a problem for wax myrtles in Florida. Prune out any dead or damaged branches and then shape the plant to your liking. Pruning is also unnecessary for most wax myrtles however, if desired, light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring. If your soil is of poor quality and deficient in nutrients, you can add a general fertilizer to improve your plant’s health. Fertilizationįertilizing is not necessary for wax myrtle care in Florida. Moisture stress can also cause branches to die back or may even kill the entire plant. If left completely unwatered, the leaves may begin to yellow and fall off. Wax myrtles are fairly drought-resistant however, they prefer moist but well-draining soil. Mulching with pine bark, cypress or cedar mulch, cocoa, chipped hardwood, or other additives can help to keep the soil cool and moist. They do best when the pH of the soil is between 6 and 8 this is neutral to slightly acidic. Wax Myrtles can tolerate many soil types as long as they are well-draining. Wax myrtles thrive in full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips to help you successfully grow a thriving plant: Sunlight needs Once established, they are also moderately drought resistant and can cope with the hot summer weather. These plants are salty tolerant, which means that they grow well in coastal areas of Florida. While wax myrtle is typically easy to grow, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for wax myrtle plants. These shrubs are fast-growing and can grow approximately 3 feet per year until they reach maturity. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful shrub to plant in your yard or want to grow a hedge, the Wax Myrtle is an attractive choice. ![]() The plant also has a lovely fragrance, and the plant’s essence is used throughout the beauty industry. Historically they were used to make candles. The leaves of the Wax Myrtle tree are shiny and feel waxy to the touch. It has the botanical name Myrica cerifera and grows well in USDA zones 7 to 9. Wax myrtle is a member of the family Myrtaceae. It can be propagated by cuttings.Wax Myrtle Florida: Conclusion What is a Wax Myrtle plant? This species is native to parts of North America. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. 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 15 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. Select a male and female plant to produce the ornamental waxy-blue berries, that are a high energy food source for birds tolerant of wet or dry, infertile soil aromatic foliage repels insects, and is used to make candles a great hedge or screen ![]()
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