We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Myrtle Shrub?

Mary Elizabeth
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,797
Share

Shrubs are short woody plants without a single trunk. Myrtle shrub refers to several different and unrelated plants that either are shrubs or have a shrub version. One is a group of evergreen shrubs from the genus Myrtus, those plants that might be called “Myrtle proper.” A second is the Crape myrtle, a deciduous tree or, in its dwarf version, shrub of the genus Lagerstroemia. The third type of myrtle shrub is Wax myrtle, shrubs from the genus Myrica.

The first type of myrtle shrub, from the genus Myrtle, is originally from the Mediterranean. It grows to a height of 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) with a diameter of 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m). This shrub produces fragrant white flowers and dark purple berries, and it can be grown in full sun or partial shade. This type of myrtle shrub can be grown as a container plant, used for formal hedges, be employed in foundation planting, or trimmed into topiary shapes.

The Crape myrtle or crapemyrtle is sometimes misspelled as the “Crepe” myrtle. This is understandable because its common name apparently comes from the resemblance of its crinkly flower petals to the material named crepe. Nevertheless, the first reference to the plant and the most preferred is the spelling with the letter a.

Most species of Crape myrtle are native to Asia, but the common Crape myrtle was brought to the southern United States in 1747. Through extensive planting, it has become one of the most widely-grown flowering plants in the South, earning the nickname “the lilac of the South.” In 1997, Texas chose the Crape myrtle for its state shrub. Since some Crape myrtle varieties can grow to a height of 40 feet (12 m), it is important to choose a dwarf variety if a myrtle shrub, rather than a tree, is wanted.

The Wax myrtle shrub, also written wax-myrtle, is also called “Common Wax-myrtle” or “Southern Bayberry.” In actuality, Southern Bayberry is a different species of the same genus, distinguished by having broader leaves. The leaves of the Wax myrtle are somewhat similar to those of the “Myrtle proper.” The town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is named for the Wax myrtle, as is the Myrtle Warbler.

The Wax myrtle is native to the United States. Beginning in Colonial times, the wax-covered berries were boiled and the wax used for candle-making. The plant's crushed leaves are used as insect repellent.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary Elizabeth
By Mary Elizabeth
Passionate about reading, writing, and research, Mary Elizabeth is dedicated to correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to writing articles on art, literature, and music for WiseGeek, Mary works as a teacher, composer, and author who has written books, study guides, and teaching materials. Mary has also created music composition content for Sibelius Software. She earned her B.A. from University of Chicago's writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Passionate about reading, writing, and research, Mary Elizabeth is dedicated to correcting misinformation on the...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-myrtle-shrub.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.