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Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle)
1 hour care
per year
per year
5m
Max height
Max height
5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Morella cerifera
Other names
Wax myrtle, Bayberry, Candleberry, Tallow myrtle, Tallow shrub, Southern wax myrtle, Southern bayberry, Myrica cerifera, Myrica pusilla, Myrica cerifera var. pumila, Morella cerifera var. pumila, Cerothamnus ceriferus, Cerothamnus pumilus
Genus
Morella Morella
Species
M. cerifera - M. cerifera is a rounded, deciduous or evergreen shrub with upright branches bearing aromatic, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins in spring are followed by dense clusters of pale grey fruit borne along the branches.
Morella cerifera is: Semi evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic.
Habit
Upright, Rounded
Flower
Yellow-green in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Sow seed in containers outdoors as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Seed, Layering, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m 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
Grow in humus-rich, preferably acid or neutral, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Tolerates coastal spray and drought. Evergreen in warm climates, semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder areas. Fruit persists into winter. This plant fixes nitrogen.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
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.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Morella cerifera
Other names
Wax myrtle, Bayberry, Candleberry, Tallow myrtle, Tallow shrub, Southern wax myrtle, Southern bayberry, Myrica cerifera, Myrica pusilla, Myrica cerifera var. pumila, Morella cerifera var. pumila, Cerothamnus ceriferus, Cerothamnus pumilus
Genus
Morella Morella
Species
M. cerifera - M. cerifera is a rounded, deciduous or evergreen shrub with upright branches bearing aromatic, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins in spring are followed by dense clusters of pale grey fruit borne along the branches.
Native to
Southeastern United States
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic.
Habit
Upright, Rounded
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Colour
Flower
Yellow-green in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Sow seed in containers outdoors as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Seed, Layering, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m 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
Grow in humus-rich, preferably acid or neutral, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Tolerates coastal spray and drought. Evergreen in warm climates, semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder areas. Fruit persists into winter. This plant fixes nitrogen.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
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.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, 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: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | 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: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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