Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Compacta'
Tarentum myrtle 'Compacta'
A compact, dense evergreen shrub, with small, narrowly ovate, glossy dark green aromatic foliage. White flowers appear from midsummer to early Autumn, followed by oblong-shaped blue-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | Blue Black | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most moderately fertile soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds. Long, hot summers are required for the production of fruits and flowers
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in autumn or root semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer with bottom heat
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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