Growing a myrtle shrub gives you an evergreen plant with fragrant leaves, delicate flowers, and—on some types—edible berries. This guide focuses on common myrtle (Myrtus communis), a Mediterranean shrub. Before planting, check your local climate: common myrtle prefers warmth and may need winter protection in cold areas. If you mean crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), which is a different plant, its care needs differ.
What You’ll Need
- A healthy myrtle plant, or seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings if you want to propagate one
- A sunny, sheltered planting spot with well-drained soil, or a container with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix for container growing; use a mix suitable for shrubs and improve drainage with grit or perlite if needed
- A garden trowel or spade, watering can or hose, and pruning shears
- Mulch, such as composted bark, for plants in the ground
Step-by-Step
- Choose a suitable location. Give common myrtle full sun for the best flowering, ideally six or more hours of direct light, or light partial shade in hot climates. Select a sheltered position protected from cold, drying winds. It grows best where winters are mild; established plants can tolerate brief light frost, but prolonged or severe freezes can damage them. In colder regions, grow it in a pot so you can move it to a bright, cool, frost-free place for winter.
- Check the soil and drainage. Myrtle tolerates a range of soil types but needs excess water to drain away. Avoid low spots where rain collects and heavy, persistently wet soil. For a pot, choose one with drainage holes and use a free-draining shrub mix. Do not put gravel at the bottom of a container; it does not improve drainage and reduces usable root space.
- Plant at the right time and depth. Plant outdoors in spring after the worst frost has passed, or in early autumn where winters are mild and roots have time to establish. Water the nursery plant first. Dig a hole about as deep as its root ball and roughly twice as wide. Ease out circling roots, set the plant at the same depth it grew in its pot, backfill, and firm gently. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. In a container, leave a little space below the rim for watering.
- Water while it establishes. For the first growing season, check the soil regularly. Water deeply when the top few centimetres feel dry, then let surplus water drain. Frequency depends on rainfall, temperature, and soil; avoid keeping the root zone constantly soggy. Once established in the ground, myrtle is fairly drought-tolerant, but water during long dry spells. Container plants dry out faster and may need more frequent checks, especially in hot weather.
- Mulch and feed modestly. Spread a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch around an in-ground plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it several centimetres clear of the trunk. Myrtle does not need heavy feeding. In spring, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is poor or the soil is infertile, following the product label. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- Prune lightly after flowering. Let the shrub develop its natural shape, or trim lightly after its main flowering period to tidy it. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches with clean, sharp shears. Avoid cutting hard into old, bare wood: myrtle may not regrow reliably from it. If growing it as a hedge, make small, regular trims rather than a severe cut, and remember that frequent clipping can reduce flowers and berries.
- Protect it through winter. In a cold climate, bring a potted plant into a bright, frost-free space before hard freezes. Water less while growth slows, but do not let the root ball become completely dry. For an in-ground shrub in a marginal climate, use a sheltered site and protect the root area with mulch. A cover can help during a short cold snap, but remove or ventilate it when temperatures rise to prevent trapped moisture and overheating.
- Check growth and propagate if desired. Look over leaves and stems occasionally for pests or signs of stress. To make a new plant, take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, using clean shears and a suitable rooting medium; keep them warm and lightly moist. Seed-grown plants are possible, but germination can be slow and uneven. Keep new plants protected until they have rooted and are growing steadily.
Common Mistakes
- Overwatering: Wet, poorly drained soil can cause root decline. Check the soil before watering and make sure containers drain freely.
- Planting in deep shade: The shrub may survive, but it is likely to flower less and become sparse. Choose a sunnier location where possible.
- Pruning too hard or at the wrong time: Severe cuts into old wood may leave bare patches, while pruning before flowering can remove buds. Tidy it after flowering and take off only what is needed.
- Assuming every plant called myrtle is the same: Common myrtle is not crape myrtle, and other plants also use “myrtle” in common names. Confirm the botanical name before following care advice.
- Leaving a pot outside in a hard freeze: Roots in containers are more exposed to cold than roots in the ground. Move the pot to shelter before severe frost.
Tips
- Crush a leaf gently to check its aromatic scent when buying a plant labeled common myrtle.
- Give container plants a bright position and turn the pot occasionally for even growth.
- Use rainwater or tap water as available; the key is good drainage, not a complicated watering schedule.
- Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and wash your hands after pruning. Do not eat berries or use plant parts medicinally unless you have positively identified the species and checked reliable food-safety guidance.
Troubleshooting
Leaves turn yellow and the soil stays wet: Stop watering until the surface begins to dry, clear blocked drainage holes, and check that the plant is not sitting in a saucer of water. If roots are dark, soft, or foul-smelling, root rot may be advanced; trim only clearly dead roots and repot into fresh, free-draining mix.
Leaves wilt or develop dry edges: Check soil moisture at root level. If it is dry, water thoroughly; if it is wet, do not add more. Also consider hot reflected heat, wind, or a recent move from shade into strong sun. Acclimate a plant to brighter conditions gradually.
The shrub has few flowers: It may need more sun, or it may have been pruned before flowering. Avoid heavy fertilizer and wait for the next flowering season after adjusting its position or pruning routine.
Leaves drop after winter: Cold injury, sudden indoor temperature changes, or excessively wet compost may be responsible. Move a container to a bright, cool, frost-free spot, keep it away from heaters, and wait for new growth before removing branches that may still be alive.
Sticky leaves, webbing, or clusters of insects appear: Inspect leaf undersides for pests such as scale, aphids, or spider mites. Rinse a small plant with water and remove badly affected growth. If pests persist, use a product labeled for the plant and pest, following its instructions and protecting pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is common myrtle evergreen?
Yes. In a suitable mild climate it keeps its leaves year-round, though cold damage or severe stress can cause leaf loss.
How large does a myrtle shrub grow?
Common myrtle can eventually reach several metres tall and wide in favorable conditions, but growth is usually slower in pots or cooler climates. Check the variety label and allow space for mature size.
Can I grow myrtle in a pot?
Yes. Use a container with drainage holes and free-draining mix, water when the surface starts to dry, and protect the roots from hard freezes.
When does myrtle flower?
Common myrtle generally flowers in summer, though timing varies with climate and growing conditions. Flowers are most reliable in a sunny position.
Can myrtle grow indoors?
It can be kept indoors temporarily or overwintered in a bright, cool, frost-free room, but it is generally better outdoors during the growing season. Indoors, provide strong light and good airflow.
Are common myrtle berries edible?
Some common myrtle varieties produce berries that are used as food in certain cuisines, but do not eat berries unless the plant is positively identified as Myrtus communis and you know the fruit is safe and suitable to consume.