Introduction
If you’re looking for a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree for privacy, Wax Myrtle is a strong option to consider.
Also known as Southern Wax Myrtle, this versatile plant is often used for privacy hedges, natural screens, property borders, and backyard landscaping. It grows quickly, stays green year-round in many climates, and can create a softer, more natural look than formal hedges.
But how fast does Wax Myrtle actually grow?
In this guide, we’ll break down Wax Myrtle growth rate, what affects how quickly it grows, how to use it for privacy, and how to help it establish faster after planting.
What Is Wax Myrtle?
Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dense foliage, upright growth, and adaptability.
It is commonly used for:
- Privacy hedges
- Evergreen screens
- Property borders
- Backyard landscaping
- Windbreaks
- Natural-looking hedges
Wax Myrtle is especially popular because it can grow into a thick, informal hedge without needing the rigid shape of plants like boxwood or arborvitae.
How Fast Does Wax Myrtle Grow?
Wax Myrtle is generally considered a fast-growing shrub or small tree.
Under good growing conditions, Wax Myrtle can grow approximately:
- 2 to 3 feet per year once established
- Faster in warm climates with consistent moisture
- Slower in poor soil, heavy shade, or drought conditions
This makes it a good choice if you want a privacy hedge that fills in faster than many slower-growing evergreen shrubs.
What Affects Wax Myrtle Growth Rate?
Wax Myrtle can grow quickly, but its actual growth rate depends on several factors.
1. Sunlight
Wax Myrtle grows best in full sun to partial shade.
For the fastest growth and densest foliage, plant it where it receives plenty of sunlight.
More sun usually means:
- Faster growth
- Fuller branching
- Better hedge density
In too much shade, Wax Myrtle may grow more slowly and look thinner.
2. Watering
Watering is especially important during the first year after planting.
Newly planted Wax Myrtle needs consistent moisture while its roots establish. Once established, it becomes more tolerant of dry conditions.
For best growth:
- Water deeply after planting
- Keep soil consistently moist during establishment
- Avoid letting the root zone dry out completely in the first season
- Reduce watering once the plant is established
A strong root system helps Wax Myrtle grow faster and fill in more evenly.
3. Soil Conditions
Wax Myrtle is adaptable and can handle a range of soil types, but it performs best in well-draining soil.
Good soil helps support:
- Strong root growth
- Faster establishment
- Fuller foliage
- Better long-term health
If your soil stays soggy, growth may slow and the plant may become stressed.
4. Climate
Wax Myrtle tends to perform especially well in warmer regions.
In mild climates, it may keep growing for a longer portion of the year, which can help it fill in faster.
In cooler areas, growth may slow during winter or periods of stress.
5. Spacing
Spacing has a major impact on how quickly Wax Myrtle forms a hedge.
If planted too far apart, it may take longer to create a full screen. If planted too close, the plants may compete for space, airflow, and nutrients.
For privacy hedges, proper spacing helps Wax Myrtle fill in while staying healthy.
Wax Myrtle for Privacy Hedges
Wax Myrtle is a strong choice for homeowners who want a fast-growing, natural-looking privacy hedge.
Unlike more formal hedge plants, Wax Myrtle creates a softer, looser screen. This makes it especially useful if you want privacy without a stiff, manicured look.
Wax Myrtle works well for:
- Backyard privacy
- Screening neighbors
- Softening fence lines
- Creating a natural evergreen border
- Filling in gaps between larger trees and shrubs
Because it grows quickly and has dense foliage, Wax Myrtle can help create privacy faster than many slower-growing shrubs.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Wax Myrtle?
For privacy hedges, Wax Myrtle is commonly planted close enough to fill in but far enough apart to allow healthy growth.
General spacing guidelines:
- 4 to 5 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge
- 5 to 6 feet apart for a more natural, open screen
- 6+ feet apart if using Wax Myrtle as individual landscape plants
If your goal is a thick privacy screen, closer spacing can help the hedge fill in faster. Just avoid overcrowding, especially in humid areas where airflow matters.
How Long Does Wax Myrtle Take to Create Privacy?
The timeline depends on plant size at planting, spacing, and growing conditions.
A general expectation:
- Year 1: Roots establish; some top growth
- Years 2–3: Noticeable filling and height gain
- Years 3–5: Stronger privacy screen, depending on spacing and care
If you start with larger plants and space them correctly, Wax Myrtle can create privacy faster than many slower-growing shrubs.
How to Help Wax Myrtle Grow Faster
If you want faster growth, focus on establishment first.
Plant in the Right Location
Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade and enough room for the plant to mature.
Water Consistently During the First Year
Deep watering helps roots grow downward and outward.
Avoid shallow watering, which encourages weak surface roots.
Mulch Around the Base
Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk or main stems.
Avoid Heavy Pruning Too Early
Light shaping is fine, but avoid cutting back too aggressively when the plant is still establishing.
Let it put on healthy growth first, then shape as needed.
Give It Enough Space
Wax Myrtle grows best when it has room to develop naturally. Proper spacing supports faster, healthier growth over time.
Wax Myrtle vs Other Privacy Plants
Wax Myrtle is not the only plant used for privacy, but it fills a specific role.
Wax Myrtle vs Cherry Laurel
Both can be used for evergreen privacy, but they have different looks.
Wax Myrtle has a softer, more natural growth habit.
Cherry Laurel tends to create a denser, broader hedge.
Choose Wax Myrtle if you want a natural screen. Choose Cherry Laurel if you want a thicker, more traditional hedge.
Wax Myrtle vs Thuja Green Giant
Thuja Green Giant is better for tall, large-scale privacy screens.
Wax Myrtle is better as a shrub or small-tree hedge for softer, mid-height privacy.
Choose Thuja for maximum height. Choose Wax Myrtle for a natural evergreen hedge.
Wax Myrtle vs Boxwood
Boxwood is more formal, compact, and shaped.
Wax Myrtle is faster-growing, looser, and more natural.
Choose Boxwood for a clean, structured front layer. Choose Wax Myrtle for faster, more informal screening.
Is Wax Myrtle Low Maintenance?
Yes, Wax Myrtle is generally considered low maintenance once established.
It does not require constant shaping unless you want a more formal hedge. For a natural look, light pruning is usually enough.
Basic care includes:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Water consistently during establishment
- Use well-draining soil
- Prune lightly to shape
- Avoid overcrowding
This makes Wax Myrtle a practical choice for homeowners who want privacy without heavy upkeep.
Is Wax Myrtle Right for Your Yard?
Wax Myrtle is a good choice if you want:
- A fast-growing privacy hedge
- Evergreen screening
- A natural, informal look
- A plant that can soften fences or property lines
- A low-maintenance shrub or small tree
- A privacy option that pairs well with larger trees
It may not be the best choice if you want a very formal hedge or an extremely tall privacy wall. If you need a taller screen, compare your options in our guide to privacy trees for your backyard. In that case, plants like boxwood, arborvitae, Thuja Green Giant, or Leyland Cypress may be better depending on the space.
Ready to Grow a Wax Myrtle Hedge?
If you want a fast-growing evergreen screen with a natural look, Wax Myrtle is a strong choice.
With the right spacing, sunlight, and watering during the first year, it can grow quickly and become a full, attractive privacy hedge over time.
Browse Wax Myrtle and other privacy-friendly plants from Simply Trees to find the right fit for your yard.
Final Thoughts
Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing, versatile evergreen that works well for hedges, borders, and backyard privacy.
Its growth rate makes it especially useful for homeowners who want a screen that fills in quickly without the stiff, formal look of some traditional hedge plants.
For best results, plant it in sun to partial shade, water consistently during establishment, and give it enough space to grow into a healthy, full privacy hedge.
