Brave Athena Northern Bayberry

Providing year-round interest, Brave Athena Northern Bayberry features lustrous green foliage that turns a deep wine color in fall. When planted near a male bayberry, it produces edible, waxy, silvery-blue berries that songbirds crave during winter. The leaves emanate a lovely scent whenever they are compressed. Reaching heights and spreads of 5 to 10 feet, this deciduous shrub, also known as Morella pensylvanica ‘Brave Athena’, can survive winters in zones 3-7 and fills spaces quickly with its wide canopy. Brave Athena Northern Bayberry is vigorous, low-maintenance, and adaptable. It tolerates erosion, wet soil, and salt, making it a superb choice to plant in a coastal location. This ornamental shrub also attracts pollinators but is resistant to deer and small critters. Brave Athena makes a perfect accent specimen, or it can be used in groups to create privacy or a windbreak. Bred by American Beauties Native Plants, this versatile shrub has a lot to offer with minimal risk.  Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Care Brave Athena grows upright and can handle partial shade to full sun. Plant it near a male Northern bayberry for pollination and berry production. While this perennial tolerates both acidic and alkaline soil, it prefers moist, slightly acidic soil. Water it regularly until its roots are established, and thereafter when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Brave Athena does not require feeding. A low-maintenance perennial, this shrub does not need much pruning; however, remove any dead, damaged, or crossed branches in early spring to improve air circulation and maintain its shape. Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Spacing Brave Athena Northern Bayberry provides shade, privacy, and windbreak when planted in groups. Space this perennial 5-7 feet apart when creating a hedge or planting in groups.Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Information USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 7Plant Type: BushesLight Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 5 – 10 FeetMature Spread: 5 – 10 FeetSpacing: 5 – 10 FeetHabit: UprightFlower Color(s): NoneFlower Description: InconspicuousBloom Period: Foliage Type: Semi-EvergreenFoliage Color(s): Green, RedFoliage Description: Seasonal Interest: Spring FloweringWatering: AverageResists: DeerTolerates: Drought, SaltAttracts: BirdsContainer Role: Uses: Hedges & Privacy, WindbreaksFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low MaintenanceBrand: American Beauties Native PlantsCommon Name: Brave Athena Northern BayberryOther Name(s): Scientific Name: Myrica pensylvanica ‘Brave Athena’, sun Morella pensylvanica