I am planting bayberries hoping to have some in a few years.
Has anyone made a mixed bayberry wax and beeswax candle? What are successful ratios? Does the bayberry scent carry through?
I have done it. I used 50/50 bayberry - beeswax. I used bayberry wax from blocks purchased online and the smell was nice and subtle with the beeswax. I love the smell and would have been happy with it stronger. I've never tried to render the wax from bayberries and I don't know if gentle temperatures would render a stronger smelling wax.
I do wish you good luck. If I could get my hands on bayberries or grow them myself, I'd be trying it, too. Keep us posted.
Thank you for the answer and the idea, I never thought of buying the bayberry wax.
I ordered the bayberry bushes from our extension university. For only a couple of dollars per plant, I have five. Now I have to wait a year or two to see if I have both males and females. I do remember my mom rendering the wax from when I was a child.
Next winter I will try the candles with store bought bayberry and beeswax.
Dena