Deciduous shrubs – non-flowering – Sweetgale

Sweetgale 

Botanical name: myrica gale 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: up to 4 ft in height with a 5 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 2-9 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows 2-6 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired size and shape in the spring and summer

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: pond borders, mass planting

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators, repels insects

Watering instructions: water when the first 2 inches of soil have dried out 

Fertilizing instructions : use an all purpose plant food slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam

Companion plants: zinnia, nasturtium, pot marigolds, salvia 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested

 Invasive species: no