Inodorous Wax Myrtle Plant Care

Inodorous Wax Myrtle (Myrica inodora) belongs to the Myricaceae family within the Myrica genus. Inodorous Wax Myrtle is native to the coastal plains on the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico, in the Florida Panhandle, the extreme southern parts of Alabama and Mississippi, eastern Louisiana and southwestern Georgia. Inodorous Wax Myrtle is also known as Sweet Bayberry.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Inodorous Wax Myrtle produces inconspicuous small flowers in catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Inodorous Wax Myrtle 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.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myrica inodora tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Inodorous Wax Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Inodorous Wax Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Inodorous Wax Myrtle 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Inodorous Wax Myrtle 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.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california bay plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Inodorous Wax Myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Inodorous Wax Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Inodorous Wax Myrtle is native to the coastal plains on the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico, in the Florida Panhandle, the extreme southern parts of Alabama and Mississippi, eastern Louisiana and southwestern Georgia. In cooler regions, grow Inodorous Wax Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.