How to Grow and Care for a Myrtle Plant

Often searched for as ‘mertyl,’ the Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a classic aromatic evergreen, distinct from the unrelated Crape Myrtle. With a rich history and versatile nature, this appealing shrub has been cultivated for centuries, valued for its appearance and fragrant presence.

Myrtle Plant Characteristics and Symbolism

Common Myrtle is recognized by its dense, bushy habit and distinctive foliage. It features small, leathery, and pointed evergreen leaves that are a glossy dark green, which release a sweet and spicy aroma when crushed. In late summer, the plant produces delicate, star-like white flowers with a prominent cluster of long stamens that create a fluffy appearance.

Following the bloom, small, edible purplish-black berries develop in the autumn. Growing as a shrub or small tree, myrtle can reach a height of up to 16 feet over 10 to 20 years and has cinnamon-colored bark that furrows with age. This plant has deep roots in history, as ancient Greek and Roman cultures associated its fragrant flowers with love, innocence, and peace.

How to Grow Myrtle

Myrtle requires a location that receives full sun for robust growth and flowering, though it can tolerate some light shade. Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in heat and salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal areas. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and can be sensitive to frost, especially when young, so providing shelter from cold winds is beneficial.

Well-draining soil is fundamental to prevent root issues, as the plant is intolerant of consistently wet conditions. It adapts to various soil types, including clay and sand, but performs best in a moderately fertile, loam-based medium. While it can tolerate alkaline soils, it prefers a neutral to slightly acidic environment. If grown in a container, a lime-free potting mix should be used.

During its first growing season, a regular watering schedule helps establish a deep root system. Once established, myrtle is quite drought-tolerant and may only need a deep watering once a month during hot summer periods. Frequent, shallow watering can lead to yellowing leaves. Fertilization is minimal, as a single application of a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.

Pruning and Shaping Myrtle

Pruning is best performed in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. This timing allows you to remove any winter-damaged branches and shape the plant before it sets flower buds. Lightly trimming the growing tips encourages denser, bushier growth. More substantial pruning can maintain a desired size or shape, such as a formal hedge or a small, tree-like form.

The plant is tolerant of regular clipping, which makes it a popular candidate for topiary. When pruning, focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health. To maximize flowering, avoid heavy pruning that could remove the wood where blooms will form, completing any shaping as new growth appears.

Common Uses for Myrtle

In landscaping, myrtle’s dense, evergreen foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens. It can also be grown as a standalone specimen plant to showcase its attractive form and fragrant flowers. Due to its tolerance for pruning, it is often shaped into formal topiaries or maintained as a container plant on patios.

The plant also has practical applications in the kitchen. Its aromatic leaves can be used similarly to bay leaves, infusing a spicy flavor into savory dishes. The edible purplish-black berries are used in some Mediterranean cuisines to flavor liqueurs and specialty foods.

Myrtle’s fragrance extends to its use in home aromatics. The leaves and flowers are often dried and included in potpourri mixes. Additionally, essential oils are extracted from the plant for use in aromatherapy and perfumery, capitalizing on its sweet and refreshing scent.