Myrtus communis

Common Names

Common Myrtle, Myrtle, True Myrtle, Foxtail Myrtle, Sweet Myrtle, True Roman Myrtle, Myrtle Bonsai Tree

Summary

Common Myrtle is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean, typically 1.5–3 m tall, with opposite, glossy, aromatic leaves and white flowers with five petals and many long stamens; blue-black berries 7–12 mm follow, contributing to its fragrant, ornamental character.

Preferring sunny to partial shade and well-drained soil, it is drought-tolerant once established and commonly grown as hedges, borders, screens, or in containers; leaves and berries are edible, with leaves used as a bay leaf substitute, and essential oils from leaves and twigs used in perfumes and skincare; propagation is by seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings, and pruning after flowering helps maintain a dense habit.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2 ft - 16 ft 4 in

Spread

8-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8–11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-8.3

Bloom Color

White, sometimes pink-tinged.

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green (top surface); lighter green underneath.

Fall Foliage Color

Green, no fall color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Approximately 0.8–1.6 ft per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Air-layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, and birds