Myrtus communis, Common Myrtle is a well-known but surprisingly under-used shrub from Southern Europe and the Mediterranean and occurring as far east as Pakistan and Afghanistan. Evergreen and with aromatic foliage, it forms a small tree in time and is an attractive addition to any garden with its flecked bark and particularly when it flowers in summer. The bees go crazy for it! With their long filaments and yellow anthers the white flowers are instantly recognised as belonging to the Myrtaceae and are followed by dark purple-black berries which are also extremely aromatic with a distinctive peppery flavour.
In colder areas and during prolonged periods of extreme sub-zero temperatures, Myrtle should be protected with horticultural fleece.
Additional Information
| Order | Myrtales |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Sub-Family | Myrtoideae |
| Synonyms | Myrtus acuta, Myrtus acutifolia, Myrtus angustifolia, Myrtus augustini, Myrtus aurantiifolia, Myrtus baetica, Myrtus baetica var. vidalii, Myrtus baui, Myrtus belgica, Myrtus borbonis, Myrtus briquetii, Myrtus christinae, Myrtus communis var. acutifolia, Myrtus communis var. angustifolia, Myrtus communis var. baetica, Myrtus communis var. balearica, Myrtus communis var. belgica, Myrtus communis var. christinae, Myrtus communis subsp. communis, Myrtus communis var. communis, Myrtus communis var. eusebii, Myrtus communis var. foucaudii, Myrtus communis var. gervasii, Myrtus communis var. grandifolia, Myrtus communis var. italica, Myrtus communis var. joussetii, Myrtus communis var. lusitanica, Myrtus communis var. mucronata, Myrtus communis subsp. mucronata, Myrtus communis var. neapolitana, Myrtus communis var. romana, Myrtus eusebii, Myrtus gervasii, Myrtus italica, Myrtus italica var. briquetii, Myrtus italica var. petri-ludovici, Myrtus josephi, Myrtus lanceolata, Myrtus latifolia, Myrtus littoralis, Myrtus macrophylla, Myrtus major, Myrtus media, Myrtus microphylla, Myrtus minima, Myrtus minor, Myrtus mirifolia, Myrtus oerstedeana, Myrtus petri-ludovici, Myrtus rodesi, Myrtus romana, Myrtus romanifolia, Myrtus sparsifolia, Myrtus theodori, Myrtus veneris, Myrtus vidalii |
| Geographical Origin | Mediterranean: both North African and European coasts, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan |
| Cultivation | Sunny aspect. Rich well-drained soil. Ideal in a sheltered position or against a south-facing wall - protect during extreme cold and frost |
| Eventual Height | 3-4m |
| Eventual Spread | 2-3m |
| Hardiness | Down to about -9C. Protect with fleece in cold inland regions and in prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures |
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