Some of our well-established wax myrtles are dying off.

In the front, we have a pair, pruned up like trees. Both had been thriving until this winter when we noticed one looked a little ill. Now, it’s neighbor is putting on leaves and growth just fine while the ailing myrtle’s leaves are sparse and small … a few branches are bare. These have been in the ground 4-5 years.

In the back, we had one die off last year and others seem heading that way – a section at a time, leaves turn brown and branches go bare.

I am careful with Roundup and use few if any other herbicides. All of these myrtles are surrounded by other thriving shrubs/trees: yaupon, cherry laurel, crape myrtles, pines etc.

We love wax myrtles cause they are so resilient and easy to care for.

Any ideas?