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Gerald L. Klingaman
Myrtaceae
Myrtus communis
Common Myrtle
This beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree offers beauty, fragrance and drought resistance for mild-climate gardens. It is a true Mediterranean species that is native to Europe. It has been cultivated since Biblical times both as a commercial source of perfume oil and as a garden plant. In the wild it can be found on poor soils in protected locations. This makes it a fine choice for difficult sites in climates with prolonged dry spells. Myrtle is a fine-branching evergreen plant. Small, pointed,glossy bright-green leaves are held on a dense, twiggy structure that lends itself to shearing. When clipped, the leaves release fragrant oils. Myrtle blooms in early summer, bearing abundant, small, white flowers with beautiful fluffy stamens. The flowers are fragrant and followed by small black berries that mature in the fall.
This shrub prefers less fertile soils and good drainage is essential, as is occasional deep watering for maximized drought tolerance. If pruned into a single or multiple trunk in youth, this shrub can produce a lovely small tree with gnarled twisted branching. When left natural it will develop a dense habit that is ideal for privacy screening or use as a windbreak. Myrtle is a great alternative to boxwood in the xeriscape garden and an essential part of any Mediterranean landscape scheme.
9 - 8
8 - 9
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
Spring
Mediterranean
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Drought, Salt
Medium
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Showy
White
Black
Green
Chocolate
Yes
Single
No
Fine
Glossy
Smooth
Foundation, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break
Birds
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