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Morella californica (Pacific wax myrtle)
1 hour care
per year
per year
10m
Max height
Max height
10m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Morella californica
Other names
Pacific wax myrtle, Myrica californica, California wax myrtle, California bayberry
Genus
Morella Morella
Species
M. californica - M. californica is an upright to spreading, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, aromatic, sparsely toothed, oblong to narrowly lance-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves and inconspicuous red, purple, or yellow flowers in spring followed by grey or purple fruit.
Morella californica is: Evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic.
Habit
Spreading, Upright
Flower
Purple, Insignificant or absent, Yellow, Red in Spring
Foliage
Grey-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Can be sheared to create a more formal hedge.
Propagation
Soak seed in warm water prior to sowing. Sow in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Morella californica (Pacific wax myrtle) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Planted in groups, Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Hedging/Screens, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Coastal, City, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Best grown in acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. Drought tolerant once established but best with regular water in hot, dry conditions. Suitable for use as a hedge or coastal screen.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Morella californica
Other names
Pacific wax myrtle, Myrica californica, California wax myrtle, California bayberry
Genus
Morella Morella
Species
M. californica - M. californica is an upright to spreading, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, aromatic, sparsely toothed, oblong to narrowly lance-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves and inconspicuous red, purple, or yellow flowers in spring followed by grey or purple fruit.
Native to
California, Oregon, Washington
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic.
Habit
Spreading, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Purple, Insignificant or absent, Yellow, Red in Spring
Foliage
Grey-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Can be sheared to create a more formal hedge.
Propagation
Soak seed in warm water prior to sowing. Sow in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Morella californica (Pacific wax myrtle) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Planted in groups, Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Hedging/Screens, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Coastal, City, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Best grown in acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. Drought tolerant once established but best with regular water in hot, dry conditions. Suitable for use as a hedge or coastal screen.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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