Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that is extremely hardy and resistant to drought, sandy soil, beach exposure, and salt-spray. It can grow up to 5 feet in a season and it can be kept low and bushy or pruned up into a tree around 20 feet tall. Its attractive, glossy, fragrant evergreen leaves provide screening all year round and the berries, which are even more fragrant than the leaves, can be gathered and made into candles. If you leave the berries they will attract a variety of birds to your garden. This is a great low-maintenance choice when looking for shrubs that grow well in milder areas of the country.

• Perfect choice for sandy coastal areas
• Attractive evergreen shrub or hedge
• Fragrant foliage and berries
• Resistant to pests, diseases, and deer
• Make traditional candles from the berries

You can plant Wax Myrtle in very poor soil and it will thrive. It is also very drought-resistant, so use it as a screen in areas where you cannot water. It is unaffected by pests or diseases and it will not be eaten by deer, so it is a durable and easily-grown shrub. This native plant is a great choice is you want a natural garden of native plants, but it also fits well into any garden and makes a great hedge on any property.