Description
Myrtus – Myrtle –
There are 2 species of dense upright or rounded, evergreen trees and shrubs in this genus. They occur from scrub, woodland, and woodland margins in the Mediterranean region, Northern Africa, South America and the Falkland Islands. They are grown for their aromatic, simple, opposite, deep green, pointed leaves and their solitary, bowl shaped, fragrant starry white flowers borne from spring to autumn and are sometimes followed by blackish purple berries. Myrtles are suitable for a mixed or shrub border, or for growing against a warm, sunny wall. They may also be used as topiary, as free standing specimen shrubs, or as an informal hedge. In general, they need long, hot summer to produce flowers and fruits.
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or light shade, shelter from cold drying winds.
Prone to scale insects, mushroom root rot, gray mold, leaf spot, and Southern blight.
M. communis subsp. tarentina ‘Microphylla Variegata’ – Jenny Reitenbach – Microphylla – Nana – Dwarf Myrtle – Common Myrtle – True Myrtle – Is more compact and rounded in habit growing 5′ feet tall and wide, with narrowly elliptic leaves, with white edges to 3/4″ long, fragrant, saucer shaped, pink tinted cream flowers, which are borne in mid spring through early autumn. The flowers are followed by white berries. Excellent for container grown topiary, or in a border or informal hedge
Zones 8-9
