Strawberry Shortcake Dwarf Wax Myrtle

Myrica cerifera ‘Strawberry Shortcake’

Strawberry Shortcake Dwarf Wax Myrtle is a compact, dense evergreen shrub with aromatic olive-green foliage. This dwarf selection stays around 2½–3 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice when you want the toughness and year-round foliage of a wax myrtle without the size of the species.

Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring, followed by small blue-gray berries that can attract birds. A native, adaptable shrub, it tolerates a range of soil conditions, is drought tolerant once established, and is notably deer resistant. Its compact habit makes it especially useful for low borders, foundation plantings, and smaller landscapes.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10
• Sunlight: Full sun to part sun
• Water Requirements: Average; drought tolerant once established
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Mature Size: 3-4 ft tall x 3-4 ft wide
• Bloom Time: March–April
• Bloom Color: Inconspicuous
• Foliage Type: Evergreen; may become semi-evergreen in colder winters
• Foliage Color: Olive green
• Fruit: Small blue-gray berries; attractive to birds
• Maintenance: Low; little pruning needed
• Soil Preference: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil conditions
• Landscape Uses: Low borders, foundation plantings, compact spaces, beds, specimen planting
• Deer Resistance: High
• Special Features: Native, fragrant foliage, drought tolerant, bird friendly