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Bobbee Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica 'Bobzam'

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Bobbee Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica 'Bobzam') at Highland Avenue Greenhouse

Bobbee Bayberry

Bobbee Bayberry

(Photo courtesy of Lake County Nursery)

Bobbee Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica 'Bobzam') at Highland Avenue Greenhouse

Bobbee Bayberry in bloom

Bobbee Bayberry in bloom

(Photo courtesy of Lake County Nursery)

Height:  6 feet

Spread:  8 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Description:

A vigorous variety known for its unusual small, waxy gray fruit which tightly hug the branches through the winter; thrives in poor, sandy or gravely acidic soils, some suckering, excellent for massing; fruit are often used for candles

Ornamental Features

Bobbee Bayberry has dark green deciduous foliage on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. The fragrant narrow leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. It produces gray berries from mid fall to late winter. The smooth khaki (brownish-green) bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Bobbee Bayberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a mounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering

Bobbee Bayberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Bobbee Bayberry will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have sandy, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Fruit  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features