Myrtus communis
Common myrtle
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 4m × 1.5m – 4m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An evergreen shrub or small tree that has aromatic foliage, the scent being released when the foliage is crushed. The flowers are fragrant as well, and are white with masses of short prominent stamens. A much valued, indeed sometimes sacred plant from ancient history. There are a good range of cultivars. Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina is more compact than the species and may be sold under a number of different names. There is a variegated leaf form which needs careful placing or it can look muddled.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Black, Purple, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 1.5m – 4m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 4m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Hedge, Architectural, Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
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.