Myrtus Species, Myrtle
Myrtus communis
| Family: | Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Myrtus (MER-tus) (Info) |
| Species: | communis (KOM-yoo-nis) (Info) |
Category:
Herbs
Shrubs
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Evergreen
Textured
Foliage Color:
Height:
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Spacing:
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information:
Propagation Methods:
From softwood cuttings
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Glendale, Arizona
Fresno, California
Napa, California
San Francisco, California
Seaside, California
Orlando, Florida
Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes
Alice, Texas
Blanket, Texas
Fulshear, Texas
Rockwall, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On May 6, 2018, GardenTexana from Rockwall, TX wrote: Surprisingly these are very happy on the south side of my house in heavy black clay. Since they resent wet feet I planted them on a small berm. They have been in the ground for 6 years and have survived a couple of colder that usual winters in zone 8a with minimal branch dieback. They have a lovely natural shape and produce many gorgeous flowers and heavy crops of berries. The berries can be used to flavor Sardinian dishes and to make mirto, a purple liquor popular in Sardinia and Corsica. The foliage is a lovely glossy green and very fragrant. |
| Positive | On Jul 3, 2013, cactusjumper from Glendale, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: Assuming I have the correct species for this page, I have a Myrtus Boetica, known as Twisted Myrtle. This is a wonderful plant here in Phoenix, Arizona, zone 9b. It takes on a wonderful form with very little litter given its size. It took a while for it to get established, but once it did, it just grew wonderfully. One can trim the branches to fit in almost any area and to some degree its shape. It takes little water. I saturate the ground once a week in the Hotest parts of the summer, which may be much more than it needs. |
| Positive | On May 19, 2009, Agaveguy from San Antonio, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I have never noticed any spines on this plant. |
| Positive | On Oct 21, 2002, welshherblady from Isle of Anglesey,North Wales, Myrtle is an attractive evergreen shrub which likes a sheltered well drained position. Does NOT like cold burning winds. |
