How to Grow Bayberry Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Bayberry shrub is an evergreen plant that is native to North America. The bayberry shrub can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and is covered in small, dark green leaves. The shrub produces small, white flowers in the springtime, which turn into berries that are blue-black in color. The berries are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.

How to Grow Bayberry Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Wax myrtle
  • Sweetgale
  • Bayberry bush
  • Tree of life
  • Common myrtle

Things to Know

  • Bayberry is a shrub that is native to North America.
  • The shrub belongs to the genus Myrica and the MYRICACEAE family.
  • The evergreen shrub has an intensely fragrant wax covering the leaves and fruits.
  • The bayberry shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall.
  • The leaves of the shrub are elliptical in shape and are dark green in color.
  • The flowers of the shrub are white or pale yellow in color and are found in clusters.
  • The fruits of the shrub are small and have a waxy coating.
  • The bayberry shrub is salt tolerant and can grow in coastal areas.
  • The shrub is used in landscaping and as a hedge plant.
  • The bayberry shrub has many medicinal uses. The leaves and berries of the shrub are used to make teas and tinctures that are used to treat colds, fevers, and other ailments.

Planting Process

  1. For bayberry shrub, first step is to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or grasses.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
  4. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  6. Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, but avoid touching the shrub itself.
  8. Water the shrub regularly during the first growing season to help it establish its roots.
  9. Fertilize the shrub once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Prune the shrub as needed to shape it and control its size.

Related plant:
Bayberry Plant

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Bayberry shrub prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH. It is not tolerant of clay soil or damp conditions. If the soil is too alkaline, the leaves will yellow.

About light

Similar to other plants, the bayberry shrub needs sun to grow. Without sun, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and the plant will eventually die. The amount of sun that the bayberry shrub needs depends on the variety of plant. Some varieties need full sun, while others only need partial sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are necessary for a bayberry shrub to thrive are not too hot, and not too cold. The ideal temperature range for a bayberry shrub is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Bayberry shrubs need to be in an environment where they will not experience extreme temperature changes, as this can cause the leaves to drop off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. This plant can tolerate a range of 40%-60%. If the humidity gets lower than 40%, the leaves will start to fall off the plant. If the humidity gets higher than 60%, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant requires little to none. If you live in an area with poor drainage, you might consider using a bayberry shrub. Because it is a native plant to North America, the chances of it becoming an invasive species are low. The root system is also relatively shallow, making it less likely to damage sidewalks or foundations.

Light requirement

Pruning a bayberry shrub is a simple process that doesn't require much time or effort. The best time to prune a bayberry shrub is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.bayberry shrubs can be pruned quite severely without harming the plant. To prune a bayberry shrub, simply remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against other branches. You can also prune to shape the shrub, or to reduce its size.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have several leaves.Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting in a moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and wait for roots to form which can take 4-8 weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant the bayberry shrub to its permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's age, location and the health of the roots. Younger plants tend to grow faster than older plants, and plants located in more shaded areas usually have a slower growth rate. Bayberry shrubs typically grow between 6 and 12 inches per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are problems with the leaves and problems with the fruit. The leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant, or the fruit may fail to develop properly. If either of these problems occurs, it is best to consult with a qualified nursery or garden center professional to determine the best course of treatment.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your bayberry plant regularly. Bayberry plants are drought tolerant, but they still need a good supply of water to stay healthy and produce plenty of fruit.
  • Fertilize your plant every few months with a good quality fertilizer. This will help it to produce more fruit.
  • Prune your plant regularly to keep it from getting too big. Bayberry plants can grow quite large, so you will need to keep them trimmed back.
  • Place your bayberry plant in an area that gets full sun. Bayberry plants need a lot of sunlight to produce fruit.
  • Be sure to pick the bayberries when they are ripe. If you wait too long, the bayberries will fall off the plant and will not be edible.
  • Store the bayberries in a cool, dry place. Bayberries can last for several months if stored properly.
  • Do not plant bayberry plants near other plants that

Alternative Plants

  • American Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
  • Wax Myrtle (Bayberry, Candleberry; Myrica cerifera)
  • Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)
  • Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
  • Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
  • Allspice (Pimento dioica)
  • Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
  • Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
  • Thymus (Thymus species)
  • Allium (Allium sativum)

Source:
Bayberry, Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) - Selecting Shrubs ...
Northern Bayberry | Yale Nature Walk
FSU - Biological Science - Florida State University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category