Wax Myrtle - Ask Extension
Greetings! My wax myrtle are 3 years old now and have so far thrived. I recently noticed brown and dead leaves on them. They tend to be lower and o...
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Wax Myrtle #807712
Asked August 23, 2022, 3:57 PM EDT
Greetings! My wax myrtle are 3 years old now and have so far thrived. I recently noticed brown and dead leaves on them. They tend to be lower and on interior branches. Are you able to identify my problem? Thanks. Elizabeth
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Greetings! My wax myrtle are 3 years old now and have so far thrived. I recently noticed brown and dead leaves on them. They tend to be lower and on interior branches. Are you able to identify my problem? Thanks. Elizabeth
Elizabeth, I think it might just be a natural shedding of some older leaves. Even though the wax myrtle is an evergreen the leaves do age and drop naturally, particularly the inner and lower leaves which would be the oldest.
It's possible the insufficient water is contributing to the problem. It's been hot lately and the plant may be requiring a little more water now.
Susan, Master Gardener
