Growing Bayberry in Virginia
Answered by: Richters Staff
Question from: Tina Miller
Posted: Before April 1998

I live in central Virginia which is in zone 7. I was wondering if I can grow Bayberry here? I noticed that none of your items have the zones listed in which they will grow. I am not familiar with some of the things you offer, and listing the zones would be very helpful.

Questions about hardiness zones are probably the most common ones we get. We are planning to provide more data in our next online version of our catalogue (1998), but for now, we refer you to Deni Bown’s excellent book, "Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses" in which she lists hardiness zones for most herbs.

The northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) listed in our catalogue is very hardy. We do not have a hardiness zone rating but we would guess that it is hardy from zones 3 to 7. So, probably, it will grow in your area. The southern bayberry (M. cerifera), however, may be a better choice for you. It is a small tree as opposed to the low bush that the northern variety is, and it is hardy to zone 6. Both species are suitable for extracting candle wax and both have been used for medicinal purposes. We carry seeds and plants of northern bayberry; you will need to check local nurseries for the southern species.

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