Myrica cerifera

Southern Bayberry, Wax Myrtle

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Evergreen shrub with fragrant foliage and wax-covered berries. Tolerates salt and drought, popular in landscaping across the southeastern US.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Southern Bayberry, Wax Myrtle
Family Myricaceae
Genus Myrica
Species Cerifera
Origin Southeastern United States
Blooming Late spring to early summer, dioecious flowers on separate plants
Leaf Color Dark green turning bronze in winter
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; tolerates poor and sandy soils

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Watering

Moderate watering required until established; highly drought tolerant thereafter

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Sunlight & Care

Full sun for best growth and berry production; accepts part shade

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Fertilization

Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring if growth is sluggish

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Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape or control size

Pest Control Aphid Leaf Miner Scale Insect Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
14° – 100°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
20% – 85%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
2500 – 60000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1200 – 3000
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
15% – 55%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
200 – 1500
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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