If you ’ve got a rugged landscaping situation , bayberry shrub ( Myrica ) might just be the solution . Bayberry is aboriginal to eastern North America and thrives along the rugged coastal area of Maine . Hardy in USDA works hardiness zones 3 through 6 , this shrub has a slack , open form and clusters of blue to grey Chuck Berry that are covered with a pale waxy coat .
Bayberry shrubs slowly grow 6 to 10 feet tall and at least as wide . They works well in groupings , as cozy shrub , or as specimen plants . Bayberry shrubs can be rationalize into more formal shapes . The redolent leaves are deep green , glossy and thick . In some case , they may be evergreen . The berries are profoundly fragrant and were used by colonists to make candles , wax and soaps . The berries persist through the winter , providing food for any birds winter .
Bayberry shrub tolerate almost any soil , including clay and sand , although they prefer a moist , slightly acidic , arenaceous land . They suffer few disease problems and can stomach drought , winter cold and flooding .
Growing Bayberry Shrubs
Plant bayberry shrub from nursery industrial plant or cuttings in former bound . Amend the soil with compost , but do n’t add fertilizer . blank space bay-rum tree bush at least 4 to 6 feet aside , depending on the species . Mulch the dirt with 2 in of wood chips or bark to keep weeds down and economize wet . Water at least weekly during the first year as the root become established . Once the plant mature , they seldom need watering except during very dry circumstance .
Prune bay-rum tree in the spring to remove any dead or pathological branches , as well as to check growth . Cut branches back to a healthy sidelong bud . In general , bayberry shrubs seldom need fertilizer unless growth is dull . Avoid giving them excessive atomic number 7 fertilizer , which can make them more prone to disease .
Problems
Bayberry shrubs are dioecian , intend that only female plants bring out berry . Make certain you plant at least one male plant among your plantings .
Bayberry shrubs are cold - loving plant that do n’t fare well in heat and humidity . The parting may become chlorotic in very alkalic soil . Add peat moss or sulfur to alkaline dirt and use an acidic fertilizer annually . The plants are in general disease- and pest - complimentary , but they can be affected by leaf spots , root word rot and stem rots . plow leaf position by removing dead and pathologic material . blank the plant so air circulates freely and use trickle systems rather of overhead sprinkler . In some type , you might desire to apply a antimycotic labeled for use on bayberry shrubs . Root and prow bunk often fall out in heavy , badly - run out soil . Although the plants tolerate occasional implosion therapy , specially in aboriginal options , they ’ll grow better if the soil enfeeble adequately . Add compost or manure to improve drain or look at using kick upstairs beds in very loaded areas .
Bayberry Plant Varieties
Of the genus Myrica , commonly known as Pimenta acris shrub or wax Vinca minor , Northern bayberry ( Myrica pennsylvanica ) is aboriginal to easterly North America and grows 10 feet tall . This was the works traditionally harvest by early American colonist .
Uses
Bayberry bush make a care - free bush for almost any garden setting , but the berries and branch have indoor ornamental value , as well . Boil ripe bayberry bush to release the wax , which rise to the top and can be skin off . This wax can be used like beeswax to make candela . You ’ll need a slew of berries , though . Four pounds of berries produces only one pound of wax . A more economic solution is to tote up a small bayberry wax or oil to beeswax . The cd will still be aromatic , but demand less work from you .
The berries and branches dry well and make a beautiful addition to chaplet , garland and dry bloom arrangements . Historically , the berries were used to treat a form of ailments , including frigidness , flu and diarrhea .
For more information , chew the fat the take after links :
Bayberry — a Native Plant that give Fragrant Holiday Candlesfrom Cape May.comNorthern Bayberryfrom the University of Maine Extension
Julie Christensen learned about garden on her grandfather ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southerly Idaho . Today , she lives and gardens on the eminent knit stitch of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the grease , Julie compose about intellectual nourishment , education , parenting and horticulture .
