How wide do wax myrtles get?
This rapidly-growing, small, evergreen native tree is capable of reaching a height of 25 feet with an equal spread but is usually seen in the 10 to 20-foot range. Sometimes used as a large shrubbery screen, Southern Waxmyrtle is ideal for use as a small tree, the lower limbs removed to reveal its picturesque form.
How fast does a wax myrtle grow?
3 to 5 feet
Wax myrtle often exhibits growth of 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m.) a year. As a shrub it has a rounded, narrow form and is attractive when limbed up for use as a small tree. Use the wax myrtle tree in mixed shrub borders and as shade for the deck or patio.
Do wax myrtles have invasive roots?
The USDA factsheet on wax myrtle says that this plant is easy to transplant bare root which suggests that it is not have much of a taproot (if any). Also wax myrtle spreads by sending up suckers from the roots and has been frequently used as a bonsai plant (more evidence that it has a fibrous root system).
How close together can you plant wax myrtles?
Hedge Spacing for Wax Myrtle To produce an unbroken hedge, your wax myrtles must be no farther apart than their eventual spread, usually about 20 or 25 feet. If each plant reaches 20 feet, and therefore spreads to 10 feet on each side, then two hedges will eventually meet in the middle of a 20-foot spacing.
Are wax myrtles cold hardy?
The Waxmyrtle is winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 where it is easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade.
When can I transplant a wax myrtle?
The best possible time to start moving crepe myrtle is when the tree is dormant. That period runs from the time the tree loses its leaves to spring leaf break. Late winter is usually cited as the best time for crepe myrtle transplanting.
How do you train a wax myrtle into a tree?
Place a plant stake 6 inches away from the young wax myrtle and use a mallet to pound it into the soil. Use strips of soft fabric or commercial plant ties to tie the tree to the stake. Begin at the bottom and place a tie every 1 foot up the tree until you reach the canopy. Older plants typically don’t require staking.
Can you top a wax myrtle?
Wax myrtles, cultivated across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11, are fairly low-maintenance plants, but may require routine pruning to maintain or achieve a desirable shape. It is possible to prune wax myrtles into small single- or multi-stemmed tree forms.
Can you cut back a wax myrtle?
It is possible to prune wax myrtles into small single- or multi-stemmed tree forms. Perform the majority of wax myrtle pruning in late winter before new growth emerges to encourage rapid recovery.
How do you control wax myrtle runners?
Remove suckers regularly as soon as they appear. They are easier to deal with and cause less damage to the tree when they are removed early. Prune them all the way back to their point of origin at the trunk or a root. Make a flush cut.
Does wax myrtle grow well in shade?
You can prune the Wax Myrtle to not only to show off their picturesque form, but also to help build a strong structure. They grow best in full sun, but while they can tolerate shade, they will grow a thinner canopy. They do best with well-draining soil and are salt tolerant, making it suitable for seaside applications.
What’s the best way to plant wax myrtles?
If you want to provide dappled shade to a deck, patio or other outdoor area, you can plant several wax myrtles together around a perimeter or in clusters. In this case, the spacing should be further apart to allow light between the trees and to allow each tree its own form.
How big of a hedge do you need for a wax myrtle?
Hedge Spacing. To produce an unbroken hedge, your wax myrtles must be no farther apart than their eventual spread, usually about 20 or 25 feet. If each plant reaches 20 feet, and therefore spreads to 10 feet on each side, then two hedges will eventually meet in the middle of a 20-foot spacing.
What are the leaves of a wax myrtle used for?
Historically, leaves of the wax myrtle tree were used for fragrance and flammability when making candles. This fragrance, still used today, has earned the shrub a common name of southern bayberry.
How often should I prune my wax myrtle?
Lightly prune your wax myrtles with pruning shears at least once every three months to maintain tidy hedges which can be kept to 8 to 12 feet. Inspect your wax myrtles regularly for potential problems, such as pests and disease, in order to maintain a healthy landscape.