Myrtus Tarentina 3 Litre Pot

Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina – Dwarf Myrtle for Fragrance and Year-Round Elegance

Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina, commonly known as Dwarf Myrtle or Tarentine Myrtle, is a beautiful compact evergreen shrub, prized for its neat habit, aromatic foliage, and masses of delicate white flowers. Smaller and denser than the common Myrtle, it is perfect for adding year-round structure to gardens where space is limited.

Its small, glossy dark green leaves release a delightful aromatic fragrance when brushed or crushed, making it an excellent choice for sensory, Mediterranean, and courtyard gardens. Throughout summer, the shrub is covered with elegant white flowers, each adorned with a spray of prominent golden stamens that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

As autumn approaches, the flowers are followed by decorative blue-black berries, providing additional seasonal interest and attracting birds to the garden. The naturally compact and bushy growth makes it ideal for low hedging, topiary, specimen planting, and patio containers.

Thriving in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, Tarentine Myrtle is well suited to sheltered gardens and coastal locations. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance Mediterranean-style planting.

Its elegant form, fragrant foliage, and long season of interest make Myrtus tarentina one of the finest evergreen shrubs for formal and informal gardens alike.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Spring

Fresh aromatic evergreen foliage produces neat, dense growth.

Summer

Masses of fragrant white flowers bloom above the glossy foliage.

Autumn

Decorative blue-black berries develop, adding seasonal colour.

Winter

The evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and interest.

Why Grow Myrtus tarentina?

✔ Glossy aromatic evergreen foliage
✔ Beautiful fragrant white summer flowers
✔ Attractive blue-black autumn berries
✔ Compact habit ideal for smaller gardens
✔ Excellent for hedging and topiary
✔ Drought tolerant once established

Perfect For

• Mediterranean gardens
• Courtyard gardens
• Low evergreen hedging
• Patio containers
• Coastal gardens
• Formal and contemporary planting

Planting & Care Guide

Position: Full sun or a warm, sheltered position.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: Hardy in mild parts of the UK; protect from severe frost in colder regions.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established.

Pruning: Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape or clip as a formal hedge.

Ultimate Size: Approximately 1–1.5m tall and 1–1.5m wide.

Looks Great With

• Lavender
• Rosmarinus officinalis
• Phormium tenax
• Pittosporum tenuifolium
• Hebe varieties
• Olea europaea

Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina is a refined evergreen shrub that combines fragrant foliage, elegant white flowers, and decorative berries, making it a superb choice for Mediterranean-style gardens, low hedging, and year-round structure in UK gardens.