Myrtus communis
common myrtle
Upright, bushy evergreen shrub about 3m in height, with small, aromatic, glossy dark green leaves, and profuse white flowers 2cm in width with central tufts of white stamens in mid to late summer or autumn, followed by purplish-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | Black Purple | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Myrtus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with aromatic, leathery leaves and solitary, bowl-shaped white flowers followed by fleshy, often edible berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun and moist but well-drained soil, with shelter from cold drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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