Lophomyrtus x ralphii
Ralph's crested myrtle
Also known as Myrtus x ralphii
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 4m × 1.2m – 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
This is a large shrub or a small tree that is generally known through its range of colourful hybrids. The leaves are small and rounded, often taking on a range of exciting shades, generally variegated in shades of cream, pink, red, orange, green, yellow and black. The colours vary according to the season. They become more intense during the cold winter days. It produces solitary pink flowers that are followed by dark red fruits. It is slow growing, needing a sunny and sheltered position and is only likely to survive winters out of doors in the warmest parts of the country.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Pink, Purple, Red, Silver
- Fruit colour
- Black, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cube, Dome
- Height
- 0.3m – 4m
- Spread
- 1.2m – 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Found in
More Lophomyrtus
Lophomyrtus
Crested myrtle
Lophomyrtus bullata
Rama rama, Puckered crested myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Black Pearl'
Multicoloured Ralph's myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Kathryn'
Ralph's Kathyrn myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Little Star'
Ralph's little star myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Magic Dragon'
Ralph's magic dragon myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Multicolor'
Ralph's multicoloured myrtle
Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Pixie'
Ralph's pixie myrtle