Eagleston Holly vs. Wax Myrtle: Which Hedge Is Best for Florida Privacy?

September 21 2026, by Andrew Norouzian, 6 min reading time

Eagleston Holly vs. Wax Myrtle: Which Hedge Is Best for Florida Privacy?

When choosing a living privacy hedge in Florida, two plants consistently rise to the top: **Eagleston holly** and **wax myrtle**. Both are evergreen, useful for screening, and well suited to many Florida landscapes—but they create very different looks and require different long-term planning.

The best choice comes down to your priorities. Choose **Eagleston holly** for a polished, dense, formal-looking hedge with glossy foliage. Choose **wax myrtle** when fast growth, native character, fragrance, and a softer natural screen matter most.[1][7]

## At-a-Glance Comparison

| Feature | Eagleston Holly | Wax Myrtle |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | *Ilex x attenuata* ‘Eagleston’ | *Morella cerifera* |
| Mature height | Often about 18–20 feet | About 10–20 feet [2][7] |
| Mature width | Often around 14 feet | About 8–15 feet [2][7] |
| Growth rate | Moderate, roughly 2 feet per year in suitable conditions | Fast, potentially up to 5 feet per year [2] |
| Appearance | Glossy, deep-green foliage; upright and refined | Soft-textured, aromatic, gray-green foliage |
| Hedge style | Formal or semi-formal privacy hedge | Informal hedge, natural screen, or windbreak |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun to partial shade [7][8] |
| Best for | Structured landscapes and long-lasting curb appeal | Faster privacy, native landscapes, and relaxed plantings |

## Choose Eagleston Holly for a Formal Hedge

Eagleston holly is a strong choice for homeowners who want their privacy planting to look intentional, dense, and elegant year-round. Its glossy green leaves and naturally upright habit give a hedge a cleaner, more structured appearance than many fast-growing screening plants.[8][1]

This holly works especially well along property lines, around pools, near entryways, and in front landscapes where appearance matters as much as privacy. It can be planted as a screen, maintained as a hedge, or allowed to develop into an attractive small evergreen tree.[1][8]

Eagleston holly is usually the better fit if you want:

- A rich green, upscale look  
- A hedge that can be lightly shaped for a neat outline  
- Dense foliage for year-round visual screening  
- An evergreen plant that also works as a specimen tree  
- Seasonal red berries when pollination conditions are right[8]

For hedge or screen planting, allow adequate room for plants to mature. Flowing Well Tree Farm recommends spacing Eagleston hollies approximately **6 to 8 feet apart** for a hedge or screen, depending on how quickly you want the row to fill in.[1]

## Choose Wax Myrtle for Fast, Natural Privacy

Wax myrtle is one of the most practical choices for homeowners who want a privacy screen sooner. This Florida-native evergreen is known for its fast growth, dense foliage, and adaptability, making it a dependable option for larger properties, fence lines, windbreaks, and naturalistic landscapes.[7]

Unlike the more formal appearance of Eagleston holly, wax myrtle has a looser, softer texture. Its aromatic foliage gives the landscape a pleasant character, while its quick growth makes it especially useful when gaps, nearby development, or an open backyard create an immediate privacy concern.[2][7]

Wax myrtle is often the better fit if you want:

- Faster coverage and a quicker privacy screen  
- A Florida-native plant  
- Fragrant foliage and a softer texture  
- A relaxed, natural-looking hedge  
- A planting suited to screening and windbreaks  
- Good performance in full sun or partial shade[7]

Because wax myrtle can grow quickly, it benefits from occasional pruning if you want to maintain a consistent hedge height and width. Left alone, it develops a more informal, natural screen—which can be a major advantage for large lots and rural or coastal-style landscapes.[2][7]

## Which Plant Is Better for a Privacy Hedge?

For a **formal hedge**, Eagleston holly usually wins. Its dense, glossy foliage and refined growth habit create a more finished look, especially in front yards, pool areas, and higher-visibility landscape beds.[8][1]

For **fast privacy**, wax myrtle is often the better choice. It can establish a living screen much more quickly, offers fragrant foliage, and brings native beauty to Florida landscapes.[2][7]

A simple way to decide:

- Choose **Eagleston holly** if you value structure, polish, and a classic evergreen hedge.
- Choose **wax myrtle** if you value speed, native adaptability, fragrance, and a more natural landscape style.
- Consider using both if you have a large property: Eagleston holly near visible living spaces and wax myrtle along longer fence lines or perimeter boundaries.

## Sun, Soil, and Placement

Both plants can grow in full sun to partial shade, but they should be selected and placed with mature size in mind. A privacy hedge that looks sparse at planting can become crowded later if plants are installed too closely together.[7][8]

Eagleston holly performs best with suitable soil conditions and good drainage; it can be susceptible to leaf yellowing in alkaline soils.  Wax myrtle is valued for its versatility and is a dependable choice for privacy screens in many Florida settings.[7][8]

Before planting, consider:

- The mature height and width of the hedge  
- Distance from fences, pools, structures, and utility lines  
- Whether you want a formal hedge or a natural screen  
- How much pruning you are willing to do  
- How quickly you need privacy  

## Planting Tips for Better Results

Start with healthy, well-grown plants and plan for their mature dimensions rather than planting solely for an instant wall of foliage. Crowding plants can create unnecessary competition and make long-term maintenance more difficult.[2]

For a successful hedge:

- Plant in a location with appropriate light and drainage.
- Water consistently during establishment, especially during dry periods.
- Apply mulch around the root zone while keeping it away from trunks and stems.
- Prune selectively to maintain your preferred hedge shape.
- Give plants enough spacing to mature without excessive crowding.

## Find Florida-Grown Hedge Plants

At Flowing Well Tree Farm, we grow and supply Florida-ready plants for homeowners, landscapers, and property developers seeking privacy, beauty, and long-term landscape value. Eagleston holly offers an elegant evergreen solution for refined hedges, while wax myrtle provides fast-growing native screening with aromatic foliage and a relaxed look.[1][7]

Whether you need a clean, formal privacy hedge or a fast natural screen, the right plant begins with the right plan. Shop **Eagleston holly** and **wax myrtle** at FlowingWellTreeFarm.com, or contact our team for help selecting the best hedge plants for your project.

Sources
[1] Eagleston Holly: The Perfect Evergreen for Florida Landscapes https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/blogs/plant-blog/eagleston-holly-the-perfect-evergreen-for-florida-landscapes
[2] Privacy Planting Tips https://www.groundsource.pro/blog/planting-trees-shrubs-privacy-pro-landscaping-tips-orlando-fl
[3] Eagleston Holly: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Growth, and Uses https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/blogs/plant-blog/eagleston-holly-a-comprehensive-guide-to-care-growth-and-uses
[4] Free AI Article Writer: SEO Blog Drafts, No Sign-Up https://www.ryrob.com/ai-article-writer/
[5] 🌿 Top South Carolina-Friendly Trees & Shrubs from ... https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/pages/%F0%9F%8C%BF-top-south-carolina-friendly-trees-amp-shrubs-from-flowing-well-tree-farm
[6] Privacy Landscaping in North Texas - Blount Designs https://blountdesigns.com/blog/privacy-landscaping-north-texas
[7] BOGO SALE Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) - Flowing Well Tree Farm https://www.flowingwelltreefarm.com/products/wax-myrtle-morella-cerifera
[8] Eagleston Holly - Buchanan's Native Plants https://buchanansplants.com/plant-library/trees/eagleston-holly/
[9] Shrub / Trees for backyard privacy to block view - TexAgs https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3423447
[10] SEO WRITING - AI Writing Tool for 1-Click SEO Articles https://seowriting.ai/

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