Myrtus

( MUR - tuss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen shrubs, commonly called Common Myrtle or True Myrtle, is native to the Mediterranean and needs full sun to partial shade and little to moderate water for best performance. It forms a rounded clump of foliage 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, Leaves are light green and glossy and are pleasantly aromatic when brushed or bruised/crushed. Flowers are white with long stamens, and are also fragrant. They bloom in summertime, and are followed by berries that emerge reddish and mature to a deep blue-black. Use these shrubs as hedges or as additions to mixed beds. Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as there is some evidence that plant parts (especially young ones) are poisonous to pets if ingested.

Myrtus Species and Varietals

The genus Myrtus contains three species of flowering shrubs, and is the type genus member of the plant family Myrtaceae. These shrubs historically have been venerated by many people, including associations with Greco-Roman Gods, and as a key part in religious ceremonies. They signify honor, justice, prosperity, generosity, hope, love, and happiness. Because these shrubs thrive along waterways, they are also seen as symbols of restoration and recovery. The best growing zones for Myrtle are UDSA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle)
This species is native to a broad region stretching from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia, across North Africa, southern Europe, and Western Asia in to India and Pakistan. The species reaches up to 5-10 feet tall when mature and has a spread of 3-12 feet. This species is considered invasive in South Africa and Australia. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Variegata'
With white-edged leaves.
'Boetica'
Upright plant with thick, twisting branches and larger, darker leaves.
'Buxifolia'
With foliage similar to that of Buxus species.
'Compacta'
Compact variety great for edgings and small hedges.
Myrtus communis tarentina
​'Compacta Variegata'
Similar to 'Compacta', but with white-edged leaves.
Myrtus communis tarentina 'Microphylla'
With small, closely set leaves.

Caring for Myrtus

Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as there is some evidence that plant parts (especially young ones) are poisonous to pets if ingested. Plant these shrubs in full sun exposure in well-draining soil. They can tolerate some shade, but will perform and flower much better in sunny conditions. The preferred soil pH for these shrubs is between 6.1 and 8.3 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). Water new plants regularly to establish a strong root system. Once mature, these shrubs are considered to be drought-tolerant and prefer to have dry roots in between deep waterings. In prolonged dry or hot spells, increase waterings. Although these shrubs don't necessarily need to be fertilized, if you notice that your plant is struggling (or if you have particularly poor soil), it may be a good idea to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early springtime when the plant is beginning to send out new growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can seriously damage the plant. Prune to maintain a neat shape, removing dead or errant branches. These shrubs can also be hedged; their leaves react well to being cut. These shrubs can be grown either in the ground or in containers. There are pros and cons for growing these shrubs in pots, the upside is that you'll have a taller shrub than you would otherwise, and the container can be moved indoors during times of the year these shrubs may suffer a bit (for example in wintertime, when temperatures drop). The downside of growing these shrubs in containers is that you'll need to repot them every few years, and they will need additional fertilizations to perform well.

Harvesting Myrtus
The fruit from Myrtus communis shrubs is used in a variety of different applications. The berries are somewhat edible for humans, though they can be a bit unpalatable if they are not completely ripe when harvested. The fruits should be harvested when they are dark blue, which usually happens in late summer or autumn. At this time, remove the berries from the plant and rinse them. These berries have a dry, somewhat spicy flavor and are used in meat dishes as a flavor substitute for Juniper berries or Peppercorns. The berries can be dried and used as a food seasoning, and are also used to flavor liquors.

​Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Myrtus shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Myrtus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Myrtus by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside the fruits produced by these shrubs, and will be ready to harvest in late summer or fall when the fruit is ripe. At this time, remove the fruit from the shrub, and either cut or crush the fruit to obtain the seeds.
  3. Myrtus seeds need to be cold-stratified to ensure germination. To complete this process, place the seeds in a sealable plastic bag filled with moistened peat moss, and place that bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. After this treatment, remove them from the peat moss and set them out.
  4. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes about 3 months from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  5. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Problems and Pests

Certain Myrtus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. These shrubs, though relatively pest and disease-free, should be monitored for the following issues:
  • Aphids
  • Scale Insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Myrtle Rust
For information on these issues, including how to eradicate them, see the following links:
​

Gallery

Mirto is a liqueur created using the berries of Myrtus plants, and tastes like a combination between Juniper, Mint, Eucalyptus, and Citrus. It starts off sweet and has a bitter finish.
The flowers on these shrubs have many protruding stamens, giving them a 'fuzzy' look.
Use these shrubs as formal hedges along walkways; they respond well to shearing.

Videos

Learn all about these versatile, evergreen shrubs.
Check out this giant Myrtis communis specimen!

Resources

Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle)
Myrtus communis
How to Grow and Care for Common Myrtle
Wikipedia: Myrtus communis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 450, Myrtus communis (Myrtle)