Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina
Tarentum myrtle
Also known as Myrtus communis 'Nana', Myrtus communis 'Jenny Reitenbach', Myrtus communis 'Microphylla', Myrtus communis 'Tarentina'
- Height × spread
- 2m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is more compact than the species with a dense, shrubby growth habit. The leaves are small and glossy green, burnished bronze in the young growth at the stem tips. There may be small but white or pinkish flowers, clustered amongst the leaves during July and August. They should be followed by small white berries. This is a refined and attractive shrub for a warm and sunny position, preferably with the protection of a wall. It has long been in cultivation and remains have been found in the tombs of Romans, so it has been of interest to man for over 2,000 years. In warm gardens it can make a pleasing hedge.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Red-copper
- Stem colour
- Green, Purple
- Fruit colour
- White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 2m
- Height in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale 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, Hedge, Architectural, Deer resistant
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- 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.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for dense hedges
This plant makes a dense hedge. Check the plant's spread at ten years to work out the required planting distance.