How much sun does Southern wax myrtle need?

Southern wax myrtle grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Southern wax myrtle bloom?

Southern wax myrtle blooms in March and April.

Where is Southern wax myrtle native?

Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Southern wax myrtle host?

Southern wax myrtle is a larval host plant for red-banded hairstreak.

Is Southern wax myrtle HOA-friendly?

Southern wax myrtle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Southern wax myrtle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Myrica cerifera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is a perennial shrub native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 10 more states. It blooms in March and April. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–240" H × 60"–180" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 10 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or small tree with narrow, aromatic olive-green leaves that release a resinous scent when crushed. Produces inconspicuous spring flowers followed by clusters of small, waxy gray-blue berries on female plants. Fast-growing and adaptable, tolerating wet or dry soils and salt exposure.

Growing Southern wax myrtle

Grow Southern wax myrtle in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 240 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern wax myrtle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: street edge, mid zone.

can sucker and form dense thickets if not maintained
mature size may be too large for tight foundation beds

Wildlife value

Host plant for red-banded hairstreak.

Waxy berries persist into winter and are an important cold-season food source for birds, while dense evergreen branching offers year-round cover.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern wax myrtle need?: Southern wax myrtle grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Southern wax myrtle bloom?: Southern wax myrtle blooms in March and April.
Where is Southern wax myrtle native?: Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Southern wax myrtle host?: Southern wax myrtle is a larval host plant for red-banded hairstreak.
Is Southern wax myrtle HOA-friendly?: Southern wax myrtle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Southern wax myrtle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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