How to Grow and Care for Murtle (Common Myrtle)

While many people searching for “murtle” are looking for the classic myrtle plant, it’s important to clarify which one. The true Common Myrtle, Myrtus communis, is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its aromatic leaves, delicate white flowers, and a history stretching back to ancient times. This versatile plant offers year-round interest with its glossy foliage and fragrant blossoms. Its adaptability allows it to be grown as a standalone specimen, a dense hedge, or in containers.

Distinguishing Common Myrtle from Crape Myrtle

A frequent point of confusion for gardeners is the difference between Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) and Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia). Despite the similar name, these plants are not related and have distinct characteristics. They belong to different botanical families and have very different appearances and needs.

The most obvious distinction lies in their flowers and foliage. Common Myrtle produces small, fragrant white flowers with a fluffy cluster of stamens in late summer. Its leaves are small, dark green, pointed, and evergreen, releasing a pleasant aroma when crushed. In contrast, Crape Myrtle is known for its large, showy flower clusters that bloom for an extended period in summer in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Crape Myrtle is deciduous, losing its leaves in the fall after a vibrant display of autumn color.

Their growth habits and bark also differ. Common Myrtle is a bushy shrub that grows 5 to 6 feet tall but can reach up to 12 feet. Its bark is reddish-brown when young, turning grayish with age. Crape Myrtle can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree, with some varieties reaching heights of 25 feet or more. Crape Myrtle is also known for its exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal a smooth, often cinnamon-colored trunk that provides winter interest.

How to Grow Myrtle

Light

To thrive, Myrtus communis requires a location that receives full sun. A south or west-facing spot is ideal, especially in cooler climates where maximizing sun exposure helps the plant produce abundant flowers. While it can tolerate light shade, growth may become less dense, and flowering will be reduced. For indoor plants, providing the brightest possible light is necessary, such as placement near a south-facing window.

Soil

Well-draining soil is required for a healthy myrtle. The plant is adaptable to sandy or clay soils but performs best in a moderately fertile, loam-based medium. Proper drainage is necessary to prevent root rot, a common issue in waterlogged conditions. When planting in containers or heavy soil, amend the site or use raised beds to improve drainage.

Water

Once established, Common Myrtle is quite drought-tolerant. Newly planted shrubs require regular watering during their first growing season to help their root systems develop and to keep the soil slightly moist. Container-grown plants need more frequent watering; allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.

Temperature and Hardiness

Common Myrtle is best suited for warmer climates, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. It benefits from a position sheltered from cold, drying winds, and young growth is susceptible to damage from late spring frosts. In colder regions, it can be grown in containers and moved to a protected, cool location indoors for the winter.

Fertilizer

In a garden setting, a single application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient for the year. Container-grown myrtles require more regular feeding due to limited access to nutrients. For these potted specimens, apply a liquid fertilizer weekly during the active growing season to support growth and flowering.

Pruning and Shaping Techniques

The timing of pruning is influenced by your gardening goals. For a general shaping or to maintain a tidy appearance, it is best to prune after the flowering period has finished in late summer or early autumn. This avoids removing the current season’s flower buds. If more significant structural pruning is needed, this can be performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Light trimming maintains the plant’s natural form and encourages denser foliage. Shear the plant to the desired shape and size after it blooms. This method is also ideal for maintaining a formal hedge, as myrtle tolerates regular clipping. Pinching the growing tips of young plants helps build a more robust structure.

A harder pruning can rejuvenate overgrown or woody shrubs. Selectively remove some of the oldest, least productive stems at their base to encourage new growth. Remove no more than one-third of the old wood in a single year to avoid stressing the plant. Myrtus communis also takes well to being trained into topiaries or small trees, which requires careful pruning from a young age to establish a central leader and shape the canopy.

Common Pests and Diseases

Myrtus communis can face issues with pests, particularly when grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Sucking insects like aphids, scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies may infest the plant. These pests feed on sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.

Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on honeydew, creating a black coating on the leaves that can interfere with photosynthesis. While not directly harmful, it indicates an underlying pest problem that needs to be addressed. Controlling the insect infestation will resolve the sooty mold. In hot, dry weather, spider mites and thrips can also appear.

Pest issues can often be managed with simple methods. A strong spray of water can dislodge pests like aphids and spider mites. For persistent infestations, horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps are effective treatments. Good air circulation also helps prevent pest problems, especially for indoor plants.

Uses and Cultural Significance

Common Myrtle is a popular choice for creating hedges and screens, as its dense foliage provides year-round privacy. As a specimen plant, its attractive form and fragrant flowers make it a focal point in borders or Mediterranean-style gardens. It is also well-suited for container gardening on patios and balconies.

The plant’s aromatic leaves and berries have been used for culinary purposes for centuries. The leaves can substitute for bay leaves to flavor savory dishes, while the berries can be eaten fresh or used to make liqueurs like Mirto. The flowers and wood can also impart a subtle, aromatic flavor to foods.

Myrtle holds symbolic meaning in many cultures, associated with love, peace, fertility, and honor. In Greek and Roman mythology, it was sacred to the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus. Myrtle sprigs are traditionally included in wedding bouquets as a symbol of love and purity. It also has a presence in various religious traditions, symbolizing peace and divine blessing.