Description
Myrteola –
There are about 12 species of dwarf, evergreen, mat forming to rounded, bushy shrubs or subshrubs in this genus. They occur from upland slopes and raised bogs in South America. They are grown for their attractive fruits and glossy foliage. The leaves are opposite, ovate to rounded, and mid to dark green. From late spring to summer it bears cup shaped, 4 or 5 petaled, pale yellow flowers held singly. Flowers are followed by spherical, pink to dark red berries in autumn. Grow in a rock garden or woodland garden.
Grow in humus rich, moist but well drained, acidic soil in full sun, with some midday shade, or in dappled shade.
M. nummularia – Myrtus nummularia – This mat forming subshrub from Southern Chile, Southern Argentina, and the Falkland Islands grows 2″ tall and 12″ wide. From branching stems it carries tiny, ovate, dark green leaves, to 3/8″ long. In early summer it bears small white flowers, 3/8″ across, followed in late summer by spherical to ellipsoid pink berries, to ½” long.
Zones 9-10
