Southern wax myrtle is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow to be 15 feet tall. The leaves are evergreen and the flowers are white. The berries of the southern wax myrtle are used to make candles and wax.
Related plant:
Southern Live Oak
Related plant:
Southern Magnolia
About soil condition, southern wax myrtle prefers moist to wet soils that are acidic. It can tolerate some salt and is often found near the coast. The southern wax myrtle is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that can reach up to 15 feet in height. It has dark green, glossy leaves and clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The southern wax myrtle is an important plant for wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds and small animals.
Just like other plants, southern wax myrtle need sun to grow. They are a hardy plant that can tolerate long periods of drought and will still produce berries. The older the plant gets, the more tolerant it becomes of different types of soils. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade, but it will produce more berries in full sun.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for southern wax myrtle is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub can also tolerate periods of colder weather, but it may lose some of its leaves. In terms of soil, southern wax myrtle prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. This shrub is also tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 30-40%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will go into a state of shock. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to diseases.
The fertilizer, this kind of plant needs, should be applied in early spring, before new growth begins. It should be a slow-release, granular fertilizer, such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer at the rate recommended on the package for the size of your plant. Be sure to water the fertilizer in well. The roots of a plant like this can be very shallow, so it is important to water regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. A thick layer of mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
Pruning southern wax myrtle is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. hedge shears or loppers can be used to remove up to one-third of the plant's growth. This will help encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Be sure to clean up any clippings so they don't encourage fungal diseases.
Propagation of southern wax myrtle can be done through rooting of hardwood cuttings or by seed. To take hardwood cuttings, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to take 6-8 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy branches in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is not yet woody. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a rooting medium such as perlite, sand, or vermiculite. Water the cuttings well and place them in a light, airy location out of direct sunlight. Keep the cuttings moist but not wet and they should root within 4-8 weeks. To propagate by seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix and place them in a warm location. Keep the seedlings moist but not wet and they should germinate in 10-14 days. Once they have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with a good quality potting soil. Harden off the seedlings before planting them outdoors in late spring or early summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 30 inches per year. However, it has been known to grow up to 60 inches in a year under the right conditions. The southern wax myrtle is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 20 feet or more. It is often used as a hedge or screen plant because of its rapid growth rate and dense foliage. The southern wax myrtle is also a popular ornamental plant because of its fragrant flowers and berries.
Common problems for this kind of plant are generally fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. These can be controlled with proper cultural practices, such as pruning affected parts of the plant, and avoiding overhead watering.
Source:
Myrica cerifera - Southern wax myrtle, Southern bayberry
Wax Myrtle Biology and Control - University of Florida
Plant ID Ornamentals Wax Myrtle or Southern Bayberry - Florida
