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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

Other common names
myrtle
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Black Purple
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Myrtaceae
Native to the UK
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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