Myrteola
Dwarf myrtle
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 0.15m × 0.4m – 0.4m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are presently three species within this genus. They come from parts of South America and the Faulklands, and perhaps Australia. Only one of them, Myrteola nummularia, is commercially available in the UK and is valued for its quiet charm, and may be used in rock gardens. The second species, Myrteola acerosa comes from Peru. The third, Myrteola phylicoides has a number of variants and one alternative name for one of these is Myrteola microphylla var. australis. Myrteola phylicoides is small, rather heather-like in appearance with branching stems that hold small rather lance-shaped leaves with little bell-like blooms from rounded buds. Note: Myrteola originally belong in the genus Myrtus.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Pink
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.15m – 0.15m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 0.4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- 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 - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
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.