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Myrtus communis (Common myrtle)
1 hour care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
2.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Myrtus communis
Other names
Common myrtle
Genus
Myrtus Myrtus
Species
M. communis - M. communis is an evergreen shrub, neatly packed with shiny green leaves. Pretty white flowers appear in summer and are followed by black berries.
Myrtus communis is: Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers and foliage are aromatic.
Habit
Bushy, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 9. If wall-trained, pruning group 13.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Myrtus communis (Common myrtle) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors, in mild areas, grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. Needs long, hot summer for flower & fruit production. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in filtered light and good ventilation.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Myrtus communis
Other names
Common myrtle
Genus
Myrtus Myrtus
Species
M. communis - M. communis is an evergreen shrub, neatly packed with shiny green leaves. Pretty white flowers appear in summer and are followed by black berries.
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers and foliage are aromatic.
Habit
Bushy, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 9. If wall-trained, pruning group 13.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Myrtus communis (Common myrtle) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors, in mild areas, grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. Needs long, hot summer for flower & fruit production. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in filtered light and good ventilation.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
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Myrtus communis (Common myrtle)
Myrtus communis (Common myrtle)
Myrtus communis (Common myrtle)
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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Myrtus communis
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