Myrica californica - Pacific Wax Myrtle

Myrica californica, the Pacific Wax Myrtle is a great background plant. These shrubs or small trees are widely tolerant of soil and moisture conditions, though they will live longer if kept a bit on the dry side. The Pacific Wax Myrtle blooms Spring through to Fall with clusters of small white flowers. Myrica californica will grow to around 15 feet tall if left untrimmed but can be kept smaller. Myrica californica has leaves that last a full season so trimming with a hedge trimmer leaves scars on the cut leaves. Pacific Wax Myrtle plants will tolerate full sun to partial shade. Myrica californica will be damaged by temperatures that dip into the mid to low 20°s F. Myrica californica is native to the coastal zone from Point Concepcion north.