Wax myrtle – This shrub thrives in Florida and is commonly used as a privacy screen or as a hedge.

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It is possible to save yourself from a few bug bites by massaging the leaves of the Beautyberry plant into your skin. According to scientific evidence, these were used by the Tocobaga and other tribes in Florida for a specific reason, and it is true that wax myrtles will repel mosquitos.

In order for wax myrtles to repel mosquitoes, they must be jostled around in order for the plant’s natural oils to be released into the environment.

So it’s these essential oils that mosquitoes are attracted to because of their scent. Instead of killing mosquitoes, wax myrtle merely causes them to turn their noses up and decide that they do not want to be in this place.

Wax myrtle is typically found as a multi-stemmed shrub, but it can occasionally grow into a large tree reaching up to 20 feet in height. The shrub, which is fast-growing, aromatic, and bird-friendly, makes an excellent plant screen. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 7B through 11, according to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Pick up one or more wax myrtle plants from a garden center or plant nursery in your area. Because the wax myrtle is an evergreen, it is best to purchase potted specimens rather than bare-root plants.

Choose a location for your wax myrtle, preferably one with well-drained, acidic soil, though it will grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loamy, sandy, alkaline, and swampy soil. Choose a sunny or partially sunny location where it will be able to grow to its mature height without being pruned, as this plant is susceptible to canker diseases, which can enter through pruning cuts and spread throughout the plant.

Consider planting the wax myrtle in areas where mosquitoes are a problem when deciding where to put it in your yard. If you have a patio area that requires mosquito protection, consider planting wax myrtle along the edge of the space. Plant a hedge of wax myrtle to screen off a children’s play area or picnic area to provide additional mosquito protection during the summer. Individual specimens should be planted near any outdoor seating areas.

Work the soil, then dig a hole that is deeper than the plant container and several times wider than the plant container. Carefully remove the container from the hole and insert the root ball into it. Determine the location of the root flare zone, which is the point at which the upper-most root emerges from the trunk. Plant the root ball so that the root flare zone is just above the soil line, with the root flare zone facing up. Fill in the hole as gently as possible with the soil that was removed. Drink a lot of water.

Weeds should not be allowed to grow in the vicinity of the plant. Mulch should be applied in a thick layer.

Water the wax myrtle on a regular basis until it becomes established. In order for the plant to establish its roots, it requires constant moisture.