Myrtus communis

 

  True Myrtle

  Family: Myrtaceae

  Origin: Native to the Mediterranean

Hardiness: Hardy to 15 degrees
Growth: Moderate to fast growth rate to 6 feet tall, almost as wide
Form: Mounded form; old plants can reach 20 feet
Leaves: Bright green; aromatic; up to an inch long; fine texture
Flowers: Abundant; white; on stem tips in the summer; sweet fragrance
Fruit or Seeds: Dark blue black berries in the winter
Exposure: Sun or light shade
Water: Prefers to be moist, but requires good drainage
Soil: Any well drained soil
Fertilizer: Spring or fall or not at all
Prune: Head back or thin; shear lightly to make an informal hedge
Problems: Thrips can cause mottled leaves

True Myrtle can be sheared for a formal hedge. Compact varieties are available for low hedges or foundation plants. Very neat appearance when sheared infrequently or pruned to maintain size and shape. Leaves have a smokey fragrance when crushed.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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