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Wax Myrtle
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
6'-20'
Not deer resistant
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), also known as Southern Wax Myrtle or Southern Bayberry, is a versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree admired for its aromatic foliage and natural resilience. Native to the southeastern United States, Wax Myrtle has narrow, lance-shaped, olive-green leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. In fall, female plants produce clusters of small, waxy, bluish-gray berries along the stems, which provide food for birds and wildlife throughout winter. The berries have historically been used to make bayberry candles due to their high wax content.
Wax Myrtle can grow between 10 to 20 feet in height, with a similar spread, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shaped into a hedge. This shrub thrives in USDA zones 7-10 and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, acidic, and poorly draining soils. Wax Myrtle is drought-tolerant once established and highly resistant to salt, making it well-suited for coastal landscapes and xeriscape gardens. It performs best in full sun to partial shade.
Low-maintenance and pest-resistant, Wax Myrtle requires minimal pruning, though it can be trimmed in late winter or early spring to shape and control growth if used as a hedge or screen. It is also deer-resistant and helps with erosion control, making it a practical choice for naturalized settings, slopes, or privacy screens. With its fragrant foliage, wildlife-friendly berries, and tolerance to challenging conditions, Wax Myrtle is a valuable addition to both formal and informal landscapes, bringing beauty and functionality year-round.
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Japanese Yew
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
6'-15'
Deer resistant
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dark green, needle-like foliage, dense form, and adaptability. Native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China, Japanese Yew is prized for its elegant appearance and ability to provide year-round color and structure to landscapes. Its soft, finely textured foliage creates a lush, green backdrop, and mature plants often develop attractive red berries (arils) in the fall on female plants, which add seasonal interest and attract birds.
Japanese Yew can vary in size depending on the variety, with some types reaching heights of 10 to 40 feet, while dwarf cultivars stay more compact, around 3 to 5 feet. This plant thrives in USDA zones 4-7 and grows well in partial to full shade, though it can also handle full sun in cooler climates. Japanese Yew prefers well-draining soil and has moderate drought tolerance once established, making it well-suited for various landscape settings.
Low-maintenance and slow-growing, Japanese Yew requires little pruning to maintain its shape, though it can be trimmed more frequently if used in formal hedges or topiaries. This hardy plant is resistant to deer and many common pests, which adds to its appeal as a reliable, long-lasting choice for borders, hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a standalone focal point. With its year-round foliage, graceful form, and adaptability, Japanese Yew is a classic addition to both traditional and contemporary garden designs.
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Pittosporum
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
3'-8'
Not deer resistant
Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), also known as Mock Orange or Japanese Pittosporum, is an attractive, evergreen shrub valued for its dense foliage, fragrant flowers, and versatility in the landscape. Native to Japan and China, this hardy plant features leathery, glossy, dark green leaves that grow in a rounded, compact form. In late spring, Pittosporum produces clusters of small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers that emit an orange-blossom scent, adding seasonal appeal and attracting pollinators.
Pittosporum typically grows to a height of 6 to 15 feet and spreads 6 to 8 feet wide, though dwarf varieties are available that stay more compact, making it suitable for smaller gardens. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Pittosporum is highly adaptable to various soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining, and is moderately drought-tolerant once established, making it a popular choice for water-wise gardens.
With its dense growth habit, Pittosporum is commonly used as a hedge, privacy screen, foundation planting, or specimen plant. It requires minimal pruning to maintain shape, though it can be trimmed more frequently if used as a formal hedge. Pest-resistant and low-maintenance, Pittosporum is valued for its year-round foliage, fragrant blooms, and ease of care, adding structure and elegance to both formal and informal garden designs. Its tolerance for coastal conditions also makes it a suitable choice for seaside landscapes.
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Wax Leaf Ligustrum
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
3'-10'
Not deer resistant
Wax Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum), also known as Japanese Privet, is a hardy, evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green foliage and dense, upright growth habit. This shrub is popular for its durability and low-maintenance needs, often used as a hedge, privacy screen, or foundation plant. In late spring to early summer, Wax Leaf Ligustrum produces small, white, fragrant flowers in upright clusters, followed by small, bluish-black berries that attract birds in the fall.
Wax Leaf Ligustrum typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller shape. Thriving in USDA zones 7-11, it performs well in full sun to partial shade and adapts easily to various soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining. This shrub is drought-tolerant once established and resistant to heat, humidity, and urban pollution, making it a reliable choice for tough landscape conditions.
Low-maintenance by nature, Wax Leaf Ligustrum only requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. It is pest-resistant and generally unbothered by deer, adding to its appeal for low-maintenance gardens. With its year-round foliage, seasonal blooms, and easy care, Wax Leaf Ligustrum is a versatile shrub that provides both structure and greenery, fitting well into formal hedges, naturalized borders, or as a standalone specimen in the landscape.
