Myrica gale
bog myrtle
A deciduous, suckering shrub with highly aromatic foliage. It bears clusters of yellow and brown catkins at the ends of the shoots in spring, followed by small, yellow-brown berries
Other common names
common candleberryDevonshire myrtle
see moreDutch myrtle
gale
golden osier
meadow fern
moor myrtle
sweet willow
sweetgale
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Myrica are deciduous or evergreen trees or suckering shrubs with dark green, usually aromatic, leaves. The flowers are in short catkins though the berries may be more decorative
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs a moist, humus-rich soil and tolerates waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors as soon as ripe, by layering in spring, or by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.