Myrtaceae
Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Care & Growing Guide
Myrtus communis
Grow common myrtle in full sun to light shade with well-draining soil and moderate watering, letting the topsoil dry out between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to soggy soil, which promotes root rot.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
-5° - 35°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Common Myrtle?
Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a easy-care plant from the Myrtaceae family. Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen, aromatic shrub native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the Myrtaceae family. Its small, glossy leaves are packed with essential oils and release a strong fragrance when crushed. From late spring through summer the plant produces delicate wh...
Common Myrtle grows up to 5.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 7 days, -5°C – 35°C, 40–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Common Myrtle tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Common Myrtle is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Common Myrtle?
TLDR: Common Myrtle needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -5-35°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Common Myrtle?
Water only when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry; cut back watering in winter and never let water sit in the saucer.
How Much Light Does Common Myrtle Need?
Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily; indoors, place near a bright window.
What Is the Best Soil for Common Myrtle?
Use a light, well-draining mix such as garden soil, coarse sand, and organic compost, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5).
What Pot Should You Use for Common Myrtle?
Terracotta pots with good drainage holes are ideal, as they allow excess moisture to evaporate and help prevent root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Common Myrtle and Where Does It Come From?
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen, aromatic shrub native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the Myrtaceae family. Its small, glossy leaves are packed with essential oils and release a strong fragrance when crushed. From late spring through summer the plant produces delicate white flowers with long, showy stamens, followed by small blue-black to purple berries that are edible and have been used for centuries in cooking and in liqueurs such as Sardinian mirto. Grown as an ornamental shrub, aromatic hedge, or even as a container bonsai, common myrtle is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, and carries strong historical symbolism tied to love and fidelity.
How to Propagate Common Myrtle?
Semi-hardwood stem cuttings
Keep the substrate lightly moist and humidity high until rooting occurs; avoid strong direct sun for the first few weeks.
- 1 Take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) semi-hardwood, non-flowering cutting just below a node
- 2 Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting
- 3 Dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- 4 Plant in a light, well-draining mix, keeping it moist but not waterlogged
- 5 Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place in bright, indirect light
Materials needed:
Seed propagation
Germination can be slow and uneven; be patient and keep temperature steady around 68F (20C).
- 1 Extract seeds from ripe berries and rinse off the pulp
- 2 Let seeds dry for a few days
- 3 Sow in a light, well-draining mix, covering lightly with soil
- 4 Keep moist and warm until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Common Myrtle Grow?
TLDR: Common Myrtle can reach up to 5.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
5.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Essential oil with traditional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory uses for respiratory infections
- Leaf teas and infusions used in folk medicine for digestive issues and as an astringent
Culinary Uses
- Berries used fresh or dried to flavor meats, especially pork and game
- Leaves used to wrap roasted meats in Sardinian and Corsican cuisine
- Fermented berries used to make mirto liqueur
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Common Myrtle?
TLDR: Common Myrtle is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
In Greco-Roman mythology, myrtle was sacred to Aphrodite/Venus, symbolizing love, beauty, and marital fidelity, which is why it is still traditionally used in wedding bouquets and wreaths today.
Fun Facts
In Roman mythology, myrtle was the sacred plant of Venus, goddess of love.
Its crushed leaves release an intense fragrance that has been used in perfumery since antiquity.
Mirto liqueur, made from its berries, is a traditional drink from Sardinia, Italy.
Myrtle has long been a traditional component of bridal bouquets in Mediterranean wedding customs.
Frequently asked questions
Is common myrtle toxic to cats or dogs?
How often should I water common myrtle?
Can common myrtle be grown in a pot?
Are myrtle berries edible?
What pests commonly affect common myrtle?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
