Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

A native of dry Mediterranean scrub, common myrtle, Myrtus communis, is an aromatic evergreen shrub with pointed, glossy leaves. Its sweet-scented flowers, white with a hint of pink, have very long stamens which create a fluffy appearance. These are followed by small purple-black berries. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Myrtus communis in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In mild regions it can be grown in the open garden, but elsewhere it benefits from the shelter of a warm wall. Alternatively, grow it in a container for moving indoors over winter, otherwise it is unlikely to reach its full potential size.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes

Myrtus and wildlife

Myrtus has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Myrtus poisonous?

Myrtus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Myrtus communis
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