Wax Myrtle - Fast Growing Evergreen Privacy Shrub | 15-20 Feet Tall, Individual Plants

Create natural privacy and year-round greenery with the versatile Wax Myrtle. This fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree is prized for its aromatic olive-green foliage and dense branching habit that quickly forms a natural screen. Known for its durability and adaptability, Wax Myrtle thrives in a wide range of conditions while providing dependable landscape coverage.

Its narrow, glossy leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed and remain attractive throughout every season. In fall and winter, female plants produce small grayish-blue waxy berries that attract birds and wildlife. With its rapid growth and upright spreading form, Wax Myrtle is an excellent choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and natural landscape borders.

Why You'll Love the Wax Myrtle

Fast Growing Privacy Plant: Quickly forms a dense evergreen screen that provides excellent privacy and wind protection.

Year-Round Evergreen Foliage: Aromatic olive-green leaves maintain their color throughout every season.

Wildlife Friendly Plant: Produces small waxy berries that attract birds and beneficial wildlife.

Highly Durable Shrub: Tolerates heat, drought, coastal conditions, and a variety of soil types once established.

Wax Myrtle Details

Botanical Name: Morella cerifera (formerly Myrica cerifera)
Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Mature Size: 15-20' tall × 10-15' wide (upright spreading habit)
Growth Rate: Fast growth rate
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil adaptable to many soil types
Water: Water regularly until established, drought tolerant once mature
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil but adapts easily to sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Tolerates coastal and poor soil conditions well.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun for the best growth but tolerates partial shade.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7-10, making it ideal for warm climates with strong heat tolerance.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this shrub becomes highly drought tolerant.

Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain desired shape or hedge size.

Fertilizing: Typically requires little fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring if desired.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Wax Myrtle’s fast growth and evergreen foliage make it suitable for: privacy screens, natural hedges, windbreaks, property borders, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Privacy Screen Excellence: Its dense branching and rapid growth make it ideal for creating natural privacy barriers and evergreen landscape borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Wax Myrtle? For privacy hedges or screens, space plants 6 to 8 feet apart on center to allow for mature growth.

Is Wax Myrtle fast growing? Yes, it is considered a fast-growing shrub or small tree and quickly establishes as a privacy screen.

Is Wax Myrtle evergreen? Yes, it maintains its aromatic olive-green foliage year round in warm climates.