Choosing the right plant for your landscape can transform a garden, but sometimes, common names can lead to confusion. Two popular choices, the Wax Myrtle and the Crepe Myrtle, often get mistaken for each other, despite being distinctly different species with unique characteristics and landscape applications. While both offer significant aesthetic appeal and garden benefits, understanding their core distinctions is crucial for successful planting and long-term enjoyment. This article will delve into the fundamental differences between these two beloved plants, exploring their appearance, growth habits, environmental needs, and ideal uses, ensuring you can make an informed decision for your outdoor space and avoid common misidentifications.
Unveiling their unique characteristics
At first glance, the Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera, now often classified as Morella cerifera) and the Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) might seem vaguely similar as attractive woody plants, but their individual features quickly set them apart. The Wax Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree, native to the southeastern United States. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and emit a distinctive, pleasingly aromatic scent when crushed, reminiscent of bayberry. This aroma is due to the small, resinous glands on the leaves. Perhaps its most notable feature is its small, waxy, grayish-blue berries that cling to the branches through winter, providing a vital food source for birds. Its bark is generally smooth and light gray, without significant exfoliation.
In contrast, the Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous plant, meaning it loses its leaves in winter. Originating from Asia, it is primarily celebrated for its spectacular, long-lasting summer blooms. These flowers, which come in a wide array of colors from white, pink, and red to purple, have a crinkled, crepe-paper-like texture, giving the plant its common name. Beyond its floral display, the Crepe Myrtle boasts an attractive exfoliating bark. As the outer layers peel away, they reveal a smooth, often mottled inner bark with shades of cream, brown, and gray, adding significant winter interest. Its leaves are typically oval to oblong and do not possess the aromatic qualities of the Wax Myrtle.
Growth habits, size, and landscape utility
Understanding how these plants grow and their mature size is paramount for appropriate landscape placement. The Wax Myrtle is a relatively fast-growing plant that typically reaches heights of 10 to 20 feet, though some specimens can grow taller, occasionally becoming small trees up to 30 feet. It often develops a multi-stemmed, somewhat informal habit, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, privacy screens, hedges, or as a windbreak. Its tolerance for various soil conditions, including wet sites, makes it adaptable to challenging locations. Its evergreen nature provides year-round foliage and structure.
Crepe Myrtles exhibit a remarkable range in size, from dwarf cultivars that stay under 3 feet, suitable for perennial borders, to large tree forms that can exceed 30 feet tall. Their growth rate is generally moderate to fast. They can be grown as multi-stemmed shrubs, small specimen trees, or even espaliered against walls. Their upright growth habit and vibrant summer flowers make them highly valued as focal points, street trees, or for adding seasonal color to foundation plantings. Proper pruning is essential to maintain their desired shape and promote abundant flowering, though it’s crucial to avoid the detrimental practice known as “crape murder,” which involves severe topping.
Environmental preferences and care requirements
The success of either plant hinges significantly on providing suitable growing conditions. Wax Myrtles are remarkably adaptable and relatively low-maintenance. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and are particularly tolerant of wet conditions and salt spray, making them ideal for coastal landscapes. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant. Cold hardiness typically ranges from USDA Zones 7-11, though some cultivars may extend to Zone 6. Pruning is generally minimal, focused on shaping or removing old, leggy growth.
Crepe Myrtles, conversely, prefer full sun exposure for optimal flowering and good air circulation to minimize fungal issues like powdery mildew, which they can be susceptible to in humid conditions or shadier spots. They prefer well-drained soil and are generally drought-tolerant once established. Cold hardiness varies widely by cultivar, generally falling within USDA Zones 7-9, though some newer selections are hardy down to Zone 5. Regular watering is beneficial during dry spells, especially for younger plants. Fertilization can enhance flowering, but rich soil is not strictly necessary. The most intensive care requirement is often pruning, which, when done correctly, encourages robust blooming and maintains the tree’s aesthetic appeal. Different cultivars also offer varying degrees of resistance to common diseases.
At a glance: A comparative summary
To further clarify the distinctions, here’s a table summarizing the key attributes of Wax Myrtles and Crepe Myrtles:
| Feature | Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) | Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree | Deciduous shrub or tree |
| Foliage | Narrow, aromatic, evergreen | Oval to oblong, non-aromatic, deciduous |
| Flowers | Inconspicuous, small, yellowish-green | Showy, crinkled texture, various colors (summer bloom) |
| Fruit/Seeds | Small, waxy, grayish-blue berries (winter interest) | Small, hard capsules (follow flowers) |
| Bark | Smooth, light gray | Exfoliating, mottled (winter interest) |
| Mature Size | 10-30 ft tall and wide | Dwarf (3 ft) to Tree (30+ ft) depending on cultivar |
| Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun (for best flowering) |
| Soil Preference | Highly adaptable, tolerates wet/poor soil | Well-drained soil |
| Cold Hardiness | USDA Zones 7-11 (some to 6) | USDA Zones 5-9 (varies by cultivar) |
| Native Status | Native to North America | Native to Asia |
By understanding these distinct characteristics, you can appreciate the unique contributions each plant brings to a landscape. The Wax Myrtle offers a natural, evergreen presence with ecological benefits, while the Crepe Myrtle provides unmatched seasonal flower power and architectural bark. Choosing between them becomes a matter of assessing your specific site conditions, desired aesthetic, and functional needs, rather than navigating common nomenclature confusion.
In conclusion, while the names Wax Myrtle and Crepe Myrtle might cause initial confusion, their differences are profound and critical for any gardener or landscaper. We’ve explored how the evergreen, aromatic foliage and bird-attracting berries of the native Wax Myrtle contrast sharply with the deciduous, showy summer blooms and exfoliating bark of the Asian Crepe Myrtle. Their distinct growth habits, varied size ranges, and specific environmental needs further underscore that these are two entirely separate plants, each with unique merits. By recognizing these fundamental distinctions, you are now equipped to make informed decisions, selecting the plant that perfectly aligns with your landscape design, climate, and maintenance preferences. Embrace the individuality of each and enjoy the distinct beauty they bring to any garden setting.
Image by: Mohammad saaraan