FloridaLandscapeIQ
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Wax Myrtle — South Florida Plant Guide

Morella cerifera

Family: Myricaceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

privacy screenhedgecoastal bufferwildlife gardenwindbreakrain gardenrestoration

Etikèt Estil

florida nativenaturalisticcoastalwildlife friendly

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full SunPartial Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low2/10

Once established (12–18 months), Wax Myrtle is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Drought tolerant once established (12-18 months). Water 2x per week during establishment. After establishment, no supplemental irrigation needed in most South Florida locations — rainfall sufficient. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native. Tolerates periodic wet conditions in low-lying areas.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandyloamcoastalwetland edgewell drained

Fertilizer: Generally none — nitrogen-fixing native. If pH correction needed: elemental sulfur to lower pH in limestone areas.

Schedule: Generally not required — nitrogen-fixing root nodules provide natural fertility. If deficiency observed, light application of sulfur-based fertilizer to manage soil pH.

Tolerans Sèl

High (8/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Wotè Matire
620 ft
Lajè Matire
412 ft
Vitès Kwasans
fast
Bezwen Dlo
2/10
Nòt Florida
Florida
Pri Enstalasyon
$
Zòn USDA
7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
5/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Wax Myrtle nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Wax Myrtle grow in South Florida?

Wax Myrtle has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Wax Myrtle safe for pets?

Yes, Wax Myrtle is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. One of the few commonly available landscape shrubs confirmed pet-safe.

How much water does Wax Myrtle need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Wax Myrtle is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Wax Myrtle tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Wax Myrtle has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Wax Myrtle available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Wax Myrtle is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from prohibition under Florida Statute 720.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — protected from prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition. Broward County native plant landscape credits may apply.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition. Preferred species for Palm Beach County native landscape requirements.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Excellent for Collier County native landscape requirements and natural area buffers near Fakahatchee and Big Cypress.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good salt tolerance makes it suitable for upper Keys inland locations.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Wè Gid Konte →

Referans konplè òdonans disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl. Toujou verifye egzijans konte aktyèl anvan enstalasyon.

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Ekspòte yon PDF pou kliyan ak espesifikasyon Nòt Florida, estati legal konte ak risk echèk. Disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl.

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