Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
If you are looking for a small, attractive, evergreen shrub, check out the Dwarf Wax Myrtle. Myrica cerifera var. pumila as it is botanically known produces fine olive-green foliage and small ornamental blue berries. Adaptable to many growing environments, the Dwarf Wax Myrtle is a versatile shrub that grows to around 2 to 3 feet tall.
When crushed, the foliage of the Dwarf Wax Myrtle gives off a classic bayberry fragrance. It is considered winter hardy throughout zones 7 to 9 and is a North American native plant. It is ideal for creating a low evergreen hedge or for foundation planting. Dwarf Waw Myrtle is also suitable for pruning into a small specimen tree.
Dwarf Wax Myrtle Care
The Dwarf Wax Myrtle performs best when it is planted in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate most soils, but prefers a sandy and free-draining substrate. Water regularly until established and allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly in between watering sessions. Supplementary fertilization is not generally required. However, you can apply a slow-release, multi-purpose feed in spring if soil fertility is low.
Lightly prune to shape and size in early spring. A sheltered spot is advisable for the Dwarf Wax Myrtle as cold harsh winds may lead to the foliage dropping.
Dwarf Wax Myrtle Spacing
When mature, the Dwarf Wax Myrtle can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. When growing en masse, you can plant this shrub at a spacing of around 3 feet apart.
Dwarf Wax Myrtle Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 7 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-6 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Clumping
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow, Green
- Flower Description
- Insignificant Yellowish-Green
- Bloom Time
- Mid-Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Winter Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle
- Also Known As
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle
- Botanical Name
- Myrica pusilla
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!