Myrtus myrtifolia – A Charming Evergreen Shrub with Fragrant White Flowers
Myrtus myrtifolia, commonly known as Small-leaved Myrtle or Myrtle, is a versatile evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest with its aromatic, glossy foliage, delicate white flowers, and attractive red berries. Native to the Mediterranean region, this hardy shrub thrives in both coastal and dry landscapes, adding elegance, fragrance, and structure to garden borders, hedges, and containers. Its ability to withstand a range of growing conditions, combined with its stunning blooms and aromatic leaves, makes it a wonderful addition to gardens in need of both ornamental beauty and fragrance.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
-
Spring/Summer: In late spring to early summer, Myrtus myrtifolia produces clusters of beautiful, white, star-shaped flowers that are intensely fragrant. These blooms are borne in dense groups, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers have a lovely, sweet scent that perfumes the air, making them a delightful feature in any garden.
-
Autumn: As the flowers fade, the plant develops small, round red berries that ripen in late summer to autumn, offering an attractive pop of colour against the backdrop of the glossy green leaves. The berries are often used in ornamental displays or for crafting, though they are not typically edible.
-
Winter: Myrtus myrtifolia’s evergreen foliage ensures that it remains attractive year-round, even in winter. Its dark green, leathery leaves provide a lush, glossy texture that offers structure and interest to the garden during the colder months. In milder climates, the plant’s fragrant leaves add a unique sensory element throughout the winter.
Structure & Form
Myrtus myrtifolia is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that typically reaches 1.5–2.5m (5–8ft) in height with a similar spread. It has a rounded, bushy form, with dense foliage of aromatic, glossy green leaves. The plant’s compact, bushy nature makes it an excellent choice for hedges, low screens, or as an attractive feature plant in garden beds or containers. Its fine texture and vibrant green leaves create a neat and elegant appearance, which can be easily shaped through pruning.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
-
Hedges & Screens: Myrtus myrtifolia’s dense growth and evergreen nature make it perfect for creating low to medium-height hedges or screens. It can provide privacy or define garden spaces while offering beautiful seasonal flowers and fragrant foliage.
-
Coastal & Dry Gardens: This shrub thrives in coastal gardens, where its salt-tolerant nature makes it ideal for planting near the sea. It can also tolerate dry conditions once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance, drought-resistant gardens.
-
Formal & Informal Gardens: With its neat, rounded shape and aromatic flowers, Myrtus myrtifolia can be used in both formal and informal gardens. It makes an attractive standalone specimen or can be used as part of a mixed border, where its flowers and foliage can complement other plants.
-
Containers & Patio Gardens: Myrtus myrtifolia can be grown in containers, where its compact form and attractive flowers make it an excellent choice for patios, terraces, or balconies. It is also ideal for adding structure and fragrance to balcony gardens.
Growing Conditions & Care
-
Position: Myrtus myrtifolia prefers a sunny position, although it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. Full sun will encourage the best flowering and foliage growth, making it perfect for bright garden spots or coastal locations.
-
Soil: This shrub thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It prefers light, sandy or loamy soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as drainage is good. It is also tolerant of drought once established, although regular watering will encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
-
Hardiness: Myrtus myrtifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8–10, making it suitable for temperate and mild climates. It can tolerate coastal winds and salt spray, making it a popular choice for seaside gardens. In colder climates, it may need protection from frost during winter or be grown in containers for winter storage.
-
Maintenance: Myrtus myrtifolia is relatively low-maintenance. Regular pruning after flowering will help maintain its compact shape and encourage fresh growth. It does not require frequent fertilising, but applying a balanced fertiliser in the spring can help support healthy growth and encourage abundant flowers. To maintain a neat appearance, remove any dead or damaged wood as needed.
Why Choose Myrtus myrtifolia?
Myrtus myrtifolia is an elegant and fragrant shrub that offers year-round interest with its aromatic foliage, delicate flowers, and attractive berries. It is versatile in its growing conditions, from coastal gardens to drought-prone areas, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance, multi-season gardens. Its evergreen nature ensures that it provides structure and texture even in winter, while its fragrant flowers and berries add beauty and sensory appeal throughout the growing season.
Perfect Plant Combinations
-
Fragrant Gardens – Pair with other fragrant plants such as Lavender, Rosmarinus (Rosemary), or Cistus (Rock Rose) to create a sensory garden filled with aromatic blooms.
-
Coastal Plants – Combine with other coastal-tolerant plants such as Lavandula (Lavender), Armeria (Thrift), or Echium (Viper’s Bugloss) for a garden that thrives by the sea and has a relaxed, coastal feel.
-
Drought-Tolerant Gardens – Plant with other drought-tolerant species like Cistus, Echinacea, or Salvia to create a beautiful, low-water garden that still has plenty of colour and texture.
-
Pollinator-Friendly Gardens – Myrtus myrtifolia attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, so it pairs well with other nectar-rich plants like Echinacea, Monarda (Bee Balm), or Lobelia.
Myrtus myrtifolia is a versatile, fragrant, and attractive shrub that offers a range of benefits to the garden. Whether used for hedging, in coastal settings, or as part of a low-maintenance landscape, this evergreen plant provides year-round beauty, delightful fragrance, and seasonal interest. Its compact form, glossy foliage, and fragrant blooms make it an excellent choice for a variety of garden styles.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
