Morella californica (Pacific Wax Myrtle)

Moderately fast-growing and long-lived, Morella californica (Pacific Wax Myrtle) is a densely bushy, evergreen shrub with slender, ascending branches clothed with small, narrow, glossy, dark-green leaves, serrated on their margins. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. Inconspicuous spring catkins give way to clusters of dark purple, bumpy berries in late summer, persisting into midwinter and providing food for birds, including kingbirds, mockingbirds, flickers, woodpeckers, and many other birds. Easy to grow and easy to care for, Pacific Wax Myrtle is quite an ornamental shrub with its showy berries and dense, shiny evergreen foliage. Very versatile, it is an ideal choice for formal or naturalistic gardens. It can be sheared to produce manicured hedges or mixed with other evergreens to create an informal screen. It makes an attractive specimen plant and provides background interest to a perennial garden. An excellent small garden tree, especially for coastal plantings due to its tolerance to salt spray.

• Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall and wide (3-9 m). Adds 24 in. per year (60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to moist, slightly acid, well-drained soils. The more sun it receives the denser the growth. Tolerates only occasional irrigation, however, its appearance is enhanced with regular waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies. Deer resistant.
• Responds well to pruning and will tolerate shearing.
• Propagate by seeds, cuttings, or by layering.
• Native to California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia.