Bernardia myricifolia Plant Care

Bernardia myricifolia (Bernardia myricifolia) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Bernardia genus. Bernardia myricifolia is native to Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.

Bernardia myricifolia displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Bernardia myricifolia produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bernardia myricifolia every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bernardia myricifolia thrives in partial to full sun.

Bernardia myricifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bernardia myricifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bernardia myricifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bernardia myricifolia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bernardia myricifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bernardia myricifolia can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bernardia myricifolia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bernardia myricifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bernardia myricifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bernardia trelawniensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bernardia myricifolia is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bernardia myricifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Bernardia myricifolia is native to Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Bernardia myricifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.