Myrtus communis

Exposure: full sun or part shade
Water: requires regular irrigation; once per month or more
Soil: adaptable; best in uniform; good drainage
Propagation: vegetative cuttings or seed
Maintenance: minimal; may require pruning if grown in restricted area

Myrtus communis
True Myrtle
Myrtaceae Family

Compiled by the Master Gardeners
of the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension.

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Form: dense rounded shrub, with age a small tree
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 5-8ft, spread 4-6ft; as a tree 15ft with equal spread
Leaves: dark green, lancelate or oval, to 2in, aromatic, opposite; typical myrtle shape
Flowers: small (to 3/4in) white; bloom in early summer

young leaves on
Myrtus communis
Fruit: blueberry like berry
Stems/Trunks: attractive if exposed
Range/Origin: Mediterranean
Hardiness: well below 32°F
LANDSCAPE VALUE:

hedge
old, traditional landscape plant
CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

Exposure: full sun or part shade
Water: requires regular irrigation; once per month or more
Soil: adaptable; best in uniform; good drainage
Propagation: vegetative cuttings or seed
Maintenance: minimal; may require pruning if grown in restricted area

Myrtus communis
NOTES:
aka Common Myrtle, Roman Myrtle
variety 'Compacta' has more refined foliage, recommended for edging and formal hedges
prone to chlorosis if overwatered

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This page was first created September 22, 2001 and last modified May 15, 2004.

Weeb page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net
© 2004 Arizona Board of Regents. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

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