Southern Wax Myrtle – Evergreen Native Privacy Shrub

Southern Wax Myrtle – The Ultimate Native Evergreen Privacy Screen

Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) is one of the South’s most versatile and beloved native plants — and for good reason. Its dense, aromatic evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy and structure, while its waxy blue-gray berries feed songbirds throughout fall and winter. Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and virtually pest-free, it’s the hardest-working plant in the landscape with almost no effort required.

Why Gardeners Love Southern Wax Myrtle

• Outstanding Privacy Screen: Dense, upright growth reaches 15–20 ft — a natural, stylish alternative to fencing.
• Year-Round Evergreen Foliage: Aromatic, olive-green leaves keep your landscape lush and green through every season.
• Bird Magnet: Waxy blue-gray berries in fall and winter attract bluebirds, warblers, and dozens of other songbird species.
• Drought-Tolerant & Pest-Resistant: Thrives with minimal care once established — even in poor or sandy soils.
• Native & Eco-Friendly: A keystone native species that supports local wildlife and pollinators.

Planting Guide

• Hardiness Zone: 7–11
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Size: 15–20 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide (can be pruned to any size)
• Growth Rate: Fast — establishes quickly for privacy
• Soil: Adaptable to most soils including sandy, clay, and wet conditions
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain desired height and shape

Also Consider

Building a privacy screen or natural border? Pair Southern Wax Myrtle with our Black Bamboo — its dramatic ebony canes and dense upright growth create a stunning layered privacy planting alongside Wax Myrtle’s lush evergreen foliage.