Growing Myrtus communis

Having talked about the history of myrtle and the use of plants in the family Myrtaceae in arrangements, I have had a few questions about growing it.

Particularly in the Mediterranean the plant is regarded as a symbol of love and peace and is used in wedding bouquets. The late Princess Diana had some of Queen Victoria’s myrtle in her own wedding bouquet. A Welsh bridal bouquet usually contains myrtle, and the bride gives to her bridesmaids a cutting of myrtle to carry in their bouquets. Welsh tradition holds that if the bridesmaid plants her myrtle and it blooms, she will soon marry.

Myrtle succeeds in any reasonably well drained soil in a sunny position. It is hardy so long as it is sheltered from cold drying winds, but can be damaged by late frosts. It is moderately fast-growing when young but soon slows with age.

There are a number of named varieties:

1. ‘Tarentina’ with narrow small leaves is hardier than the type and is especially wind-resistant.
2. ‘Microphylla’ is a dwarf form.
3. ‘Leucocarpa’ has white berries.

To propogate, pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.