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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
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.
Soil and Fertilization
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.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–20 ft
- Mature Width
- 4–12 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Wax Myrtle at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — protected from prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition. Broward County native plant landscape credits may apply.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition. Preferred species for Palm Beach County native landscape requirements.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Collier County native landscape requirements and natural area buffers near Fakahatchee and Big Cypress.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida native — protected. Good salt tolerance makes it suitable for upper Keys inland locations.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Wax Myrtle
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.