Common myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Also known as: Roman Myrtle, Bride's Myrtle, Sweet Roman Myrtle, True myrtle, Myrtle
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Valued for its appealing look, manageable growth rate, and low maintenance, it is frequently grown in gardens.
**Characteristics:**
- **Leaves:** Shiny, aromatic, lanceolate.
- **Flowers:** White or pale pink, fragrant, with multiple stamens.
- **Berries:** Dark blue to black, edible but slightly bitter.
- **Growth:** Dense, bushy, slow to moderate growth.
**Uses:**
- **Culinary:** Leaves and berries are used to infuse flavors into drinks and dishes.
- **Ornamental:** Widely used in landscaping for hedges and aesthetic appeal.
- **Medicinal:** Traditionally utilized for its potential antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- **Cultural:** Integral to various cultural rituals, including Jewish festival traditions.
Overall, common myrtle is cherished for its beauty, fragrance, and versatility in culinary, ornamental, medicinal, and cultural contexts.
In This Article
Attributes of Common myrtle
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
5 m
Spread
2.5 m to 3.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
1 cm to 3 cm
Flower Color
White
Images of Common myrtle
Quickly Identify Common myrtle
1
Small glossy green leaves emit a pleasant aroma when bruised.
2
Showy white flowers with yellow-topped stamens, emitting a strong sweet fragrance.
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Purplish-black berries with aromatic pulp, attracting birds for seed dispersal.
4
Dark glossy green lanceolate leaves up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
5
Slender trunk with evolving bark pattern, from smooth to deeply furrowed, in rich colors.
Scientific Classification of Common myrtle
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Myrtle order
Family
Myrtle
Genus
Myrtles
Species
Common myrtle
Planting and Growing of Common myrtle
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-77℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Terracotta, Plastic
How to Water Common myrtle?
For Myrtus communis, water should be ample but not excessive. The key is to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging it. A good benchmark is to water with about 250 milliliters each time, which should thoroughly moisten the soil while allowing excess to drain away. Always check the soil moisture by inserting your finger an inch deep; it should feel slightly damp before you water again.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common myrtle?
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What should I do if my Common myrtle is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common myrtle?
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How to save an overwatered Common myrtle?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common myrtle?
Myrtus communis prefers full sun to partial sun exposure. Optimal light conditions enhance its blooming capacity, yield vibrant green leaves, and promote a dense, healthy appearance throughout the growing season.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
How much sunlight does Myrtus communis need daily?
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Can Myrtus communis tolerate full shade?
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What is the best way to position Myrtus communis for optimal sun exposure?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common myrtle?
The ideal temperature range for Myrtus communis cultivation is between 60°F and 77°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth, ensuring the plant can photosynthesize efficiently while maintaining healthy foliage and durable structures. Maintaining this temperature range allows the plant to thrive, contributing to its robust growth and resilience.
What Soil is Best for Common myrtle?
Myrtus communis thrives in well-drained soil that allows excess water to percolate away. This prevents root rot and ensures that the plant's roots have access to the oxygen they need, promoting healthy growth. A soil rich in organic matter provides vital nutrients for Myrtus communis. This supports robust foliage and flowering, enhancing the plant’s overall health and sustainability in its environment. While Myrtus communis appreciates some moisture, it doesn't like to sit in wet soil. Moderate soil moisture helps maintain essential cellular processes without inducing water stress.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize Common myrtle?
For Myrtus communis, it's crucial to apply a balanced fertilizer solution. Typically, a diluted liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength works best. Ensure that the fertilizer contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support balanced growth of roots, leaves, and flowers.
More About Fertilizing Techniques→
How to Prune Common myrtle?
Begin by assessing the branches to identify the ones that need trimming. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts just above the nodes or joints where leaves grow out. This minimizes damage and encourages new growth, ensuring the plant's overall health and vigor. Look for any dead or diseased wood, which is essential for the plant's health. Carefully remove these branches without damaging surrounding tissues. This process helps in preventing disease from spreading and allows the plant to have better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Common myrtle plant?
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Start by soaking the seeds for 24 hours to encourage germination. After soaking, sow the seeds in well-draining soil in seed trays, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the seeds warm and moist to assist germination.
2
Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings from a mature Myrtus communis plant. Use pruning shears to take clean cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
3
Plant the cuttings in a mix of sand and peat and keep them in a warm, humid environment. Ensure indirect sunlight and consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging until roots establish.
How to Repot Common myrtle plant?
1
Repotting Myrtus communis should be done in early spring when you notice roots beginning to crowd the pot or water drainage has slowed. These are clear signs that the plant needs more space.
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Select a pot with adequate drainage holes that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This size ensures Myrtus communis has room to grow while preventing waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
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Opt for a well-draining soil mix that retains adequate moisture while allowing excess to drain away. This helps maintain the perfect balance of moisture for Myrtus communis, preventing root rot while supporting healthy growth.
