What are the disadvantages of wax myrtle?
Some consider wax myrtle invasive. That’s because the shrubs tend to sucker. They can form sizable colonies in excellent growing conditions. If you want to limit their spread, prune out suckers as they appear. The wax myrtle produces berries beginning in late summer. These berries remain through the winter. Berries start out green and turn pale blue in the winter.The optimal time to propagate wax myrtle via cuttings is in late spring through early summer. This period aligns with the plant’s active growth phase, ensuring higher rooting success. Warm temperatures and longer daylight hours during these seasons provide ideal conditions for cuttings to establish roots.It has very inconspicuous flowers, and its leaves and stems have a spicy, aromatic fragrance when they are crushed. The wax myrtle grows best in Hardiness Zones 7 through 10.Wax myrtle is very forgiving of pruning, and we saw several different suggestions when we searched on the Internet. If you do it right away, before new growth starts to show up, you can prune them now, don’t wait until it starts to get hot.Grow myrtle in full sun in a west or south-facing position. It is hardy down to -10ºC if grown in a sheltered spot, or against a wall. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil.
Why is it called wax myrtle?
Wax myrtles are an excellent choice for the Florida yard, especially coastal areas. Also called Southern bayberry, its name derives from the waxy berries, which were once harvested to make bayberry candles. Today, the wax myrtle is better appreciated for its easy care and salt tolerance. A wispy, 6-12 ft. The light olive-green foliage has a spicy fragrance.The Wax Myrtle is disease resistant and hardy. It’s also tolerant of sea spray and drought, so it is a perfect plant for coastal gardeners. These plants will grow to about 15 feet in both height and width. This makes it an ideal hedge or dense border shrub.
Where does wax myrtle grow best?
Wax Myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7-11, thriving in high heat, humidity, and coastal conditions. It withstands salt spray. Grow wax flower in a good-sized pot of well-drained, peat-free compost, in a sunny, sheltered spot. Either keep in a conservatory or greenhouse all year round or move outside in summer if desired. Water and feed sparingly. Prune immediately after flowering if you want to restrict growth.Wax plants develop best under light intensities of 1500-2000 foot candles. This means you should place them in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day. If the light intensity is too low, the leaves will begin to brown, and the plant will become stunted.Wax myrtles can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. This plant likes full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade. A hardy plant, the wax myrtle will grow in wet, dry, and sandy conditions once it has taken root. The wax myrtle will spread by growing new shoots from the roots of a larger plant.Wax Plant Propagation in Water Simply take the cutting as directed above and place it in a jar of water, with the leaves above the surface of the water. Replace the water with fresh water whenever it becomes murky. Once the cutting roots, plant it in a pot filled with well-drained potting mix or orchid mix.
Are wax myrtle trees toxic to dogs?
Wax Myrtle is non-toxic to dogs, confirmed by veterinary organizations. Monitor your dog for mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume too much. Low maintenance and air-purifying, Wax Myrtle enhances homes and gardens beautifully. Myrtle can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, blood circulation disorders, and other problems. There isn’t enough information to know if using the leaf and branch of myrtle is safe.