Myrtus communis
Common myrtle
- Height × spread
- 4m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This shrub is aromatic in all its parts. It has ovate, dark-green leaves and small white, rather fluffy looking flowers which appear in mid to late summer. There are purple-black fruits in autumn. It is possible to ferment the berries and thus to prepare a somewhat acidic drink. The perfume trade makes use of the plant in the creation of Eau d'Anges. It has always been a plant that is associated with good luck. Brides once carried a sprig in their bouquet. This was then planted and its growth would symbolise the love that should grow during the marriage. It is slightly tender.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green, Purple
- Fruit colour
- Black, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Deer resistant
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- Deer
- May be nibbled by deer
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.