Myrtle plants, known for their versatility and fragrance, are a delightful addition to many gardens. These resilient shrubs or small trees offer visual appeal with their foliage and flowers, and some bear edible berries. Understanding their specific needs is key to successful cultivation, ensuring they thrive and enhance their surroundings.
Understanding Myrtle Varieties
The term “myrtle” can be confusing, as it applies to several distinct plant types. Clarifying these differences is important for proper cultivation.
Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean. It features small, dark green, oval leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Fragrant, showy white flowers typically bloom in late summer, followed by small, purplish-black berries. This plant is valued for its ornamental appeal, dense foliage, and adaptability, often used as a hedge or standalone specimen.
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
In contrast, Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a distinct genus. These deciduous plants shed their leaves annually and are known for vibrant, showy summer flowers with a crinkled, crepe-like texture. Unlike common myrtle, Crepe Myrtles also display attractive peeling bark, adding winter interest.
Other Plants Sometimes Called Myrtle
Other plants occasionally bear the “myrtle” name, such as Creeping Myrtle (Vinca) and Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera). Creeping Myrtle is a groundcover with trailing vines and blue or purple flowers. Wax Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to North America. This article focuses on the care of Myrtus communis, the true common myrtle.
Myrtle Care Essentials
Proper care is fundamental for the healthy growth and vibrant appearance of Myrtus communis. Providing the right conditions ensures these plants flourish, whether grown outdoors or in containers.
Light Requirements
Common myrtle thrives in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, dense shade reduces flower production and leads to spindly growth. For indoor plants, a south-facing window or supplemental grow lights are beneficial.
Soil Preferences
Well-drained soil is crucial for common myrtle, as it is intolerant of waterlogged conditions. It adapts to various soil types, including clay, sand, or loam, but performs best in a moderately fertile, neutral to slightly acidic loam. Highly alkaline soil can lead to iron chlorosis, characterized by yellowing leaves, which can be corrected by lowering the soil pH.
Watering Guidelines
During its first growing season, common myrtle requires consistent watering to establish a robust root system. Established plants are drought-tolerant and benefit from deep watering every two to four weeks during summer, rather than frequent, shallow irrigation. Let the top few centimeters of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Using rainwater or calcium-free water can be beneficial, as myrtle does not thrive with high concentrations of lime.
Temperature and Humidity
Common myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, tolerating temperatures down to about 10°F (-12°C) when sheltered from cold, drying winds. Young plants and new spring growth can be susceptible to late frosts. It grows well in normal room temperatures indoors. Moderate humidity is preferred, and outdoor plants can benefit from being moved to a sheltered area during extreme winter conditions.
Fertilization Needs
Common myrtle requires minimal fertilization, especially when planted outdoors in good soil. For outdoor plants, a single application of a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins, is sufficient. For container-grown plants, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the active growing season. Fertilizing in early fall can also provide nutrients for the following season and enhance winter hardiness.
Pruning Myrtle
Pruning is important for maintaining the shape, size, and health of common myrtle, promoting dense growth and abundant flowering. Proper pruning techniques ensure the plant remains vigorous and aesthetically pleasing.
When to Prune
The best time to prune common myrtle is in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. This allows the plant to recover and direct energy into new development. Pruning after the main flowering period in late spring or early summer can also encourage new blooms and help maintain a compact shape.
How to Prune for Shape and Health
To prune for shape and health, remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches, cutting them back to healthy wood. For shaping, light trimming of the canopy maintains the desired size and encourages bushiness. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as it may not regrow readily. Regular pinching of growing tips helps build healthy, dense growth, though excessive pruning can reduce flowering.
Propagating Myrtle
Propagating myrtle allows gardeners to create new plants from cuttings or seeds. Both methods require patience and specific conditions for success.
From Cuttings
Propagating common myrtle from cuttings is a common method, typically using semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or early autumn from non-flowering shoots. Cuttings should be about 7-10 cm long and can benefit from dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant them in a well-draining mixture of sand and compost, keeping them out of direct sunlight. Rooting can take several weeks, and applying bottom heat can accelerate root formation.
From Seeds
Growing myrtle from seeds involves collecting ripe berries in the fall, extracting the seeds, and soaking them in water. Sow the seeds under a cold frame in a light, moist soil mix. Germination can be slow, but this method is effective for producing new plants. Once seedlings are established, they can be potted individually and grown on before transplanting.
Common Myrtle Challenges
Like all plants, common myrtle can encounter challenges, including pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Early detection and appropriate action help maintain plant health.
Pests
Common myrtle is generally resistant to pests when grown outdoors. However, indoor plants or those under stress can be susceptible to sucking insects such as aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites. Signs of infestation include sooty mold or distorted leaves. Management strategies include using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and for thrips, manual removal or a strong water jet.
Diseases
Root rot can occur in common myrtle if the soil is poorly drained or consistently waterlogged. Ensuring proper drainage is the primary preventative measure. Fungal issues like powdery mildew or leaf blotch can also affect the foliage, causing spots or discoloration. Maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent these fungal problems.
Environmental Stress
Common myrtle can exhibit symptoms of environmental stress. Yellowing leaves, particularly with green veins (iron chlorosis), indicate highly alkaline soil or insufficient nutrients. Lack of flowering may result from insufficient sunlight or improper pruning. Browning leaves can signal drought stress or frost damage. Addressing the specific environmental factor, such as adjusting watering, light, or soil pH, helps the plant recover.
Uses and Benefits of Myrtle
Beyond its beauty, common myrtle offers a range of uses and benefits, from ornamental applications to culinary and historical significance.
Common myrtle is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, suitable for various garden settings. Its dense, evergreen foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone specimen. It can also be trained into topiaries or grown as a bonsai, showcasing its adaptability.
Historically, myrtle has held deep cultural significance, particularly in the Mediterranean, symbolizing love, peace, and fertility. Its fragrant sprigs have been traditionally used in wedding bouquets. The plant’s aromatic leaves and berries have culinary applications, used to flavor savory dishes, eaten fresh, or used to make liqueurs like Mirto. The leaves can also serve as a substitute for bay leaves.
Myrtle also possesses medicinal properties, with its essential oils and compounds used in traditional medicine for various ailments. It has been historically applied to treat respiratory issues and skin conditions, and studied for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Oils from the plant are also used in perfumery and skincare products.