Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean. It is cherished for its fragrance, flowers, and edible berries. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice in diverse garden settings.
Understanding Myrtle
Myrtle typically grows as a bushy shrub, reaching 3 to 15 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide, though some varieties can become small trees up to 20 feet. Its small, glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves release a pleasant scent when bruised.
In late spring to early summer, myrtle produces small, star-like flowers, usually white with a pinkish hue. These fragrant blooms feature prominent yellow-tipped stamens, attracting pollinators. Following the flowers, dark purplish-black berries appear in autumn. These edible berries contain several seeds.
Growing and Caring for Myrtle
Light Requirements
Myrtle thrives in full sun, ideally at least six hours daily, to encourage flowering and growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade may result in fewer blooms. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade can protect the plant from intense heat.
Soil and Water Needs
Myrtle prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-8.3). It adapts to various well-drained soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay. Young myrtle plants require consistent moisture, needing regular watering, especially in hot weather. Once established, myrtle exhibits good drought tolerance, making it low-maintenance. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning myrtle is best done after its blooming period, typically in late summer or early spring. This helps maintain its shape, control size, and promote a denser, bushier habit. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak stems to encourage healthy growth. For shaping, trim shoots with six to eight pairs of leaves, ensuring at least one pair of buds remains.
Pests and Diseases
Myrtle is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, it can encounter issues such as scale insects, aphids, or powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on leaves, often in damp, shaded conditions with poor air circulation. Scale insects and aphids can lead to sooty mold, a black substance that grows on the sugary honeydew they excrete. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent these problems.
Versatile Uses of Myrtle
Myrtle is valued for its ornamental appeal in landscaping as an evergreen shrub or small tree. It is frequently used for hedges, specimen plants, or in containers, particularly compact varieties like ‘Tarentina’ or ‘Compacta’. Its aromatic foliage makes it a pleasant addition to pathways where its scent can be enjoyed.
Beyond its decorative uses, myrtle also holds culinary significance. The berries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to flavor dishes, offering a slightly tart taste. They are a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, used in sauces, desserts, and even liqueurs like Mirto. The leaves, with their aromatic properties, can be used similarly to bay leaves to flavor meats, soups, and stews. Myrtle essential oil, extracted from the leaves and twigs, is used in perfumery and toiletries for its fresh, menthol-like, and herbal aroma.
Myrtle in Culture and History
Myrtle carries symbolic meaning across cultures and throughout history. In ancient Greek mythology, it was sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure, often depicted with myrtle wreaths or crowns. The Romans similarly associated myrtle with Venus, their goddess of love. This connection established myrtle as a symbol of love, beauty, fidelity, and immortality.
Myrtle has been traditionally incorporated into wedding bouquets in many European cultures to symbolize love, loyalty, and purity, a custom that continues today. Beyond romantic associations, myrtle also symbolized peace, victory, and prosperity in ancient Greece, with garlands sometimes presented to poets or athletes. In Jewish tradition, myrtle is known as Hadassah and is one of the four sacred plants used in the Feast of the Tabernacles, representing peace and community. Its historical uses also extended to traditional medicine and aromatic preparations.