Common Myrtle

In short: Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub that needs at least 6 hours of direct sun, well-draining lime-free soil and even moisture. It prefers about 18-24 °C and a bright, cool winter at around 7 °C, so in frosty climates grow it in a pot. It usually flowers at 2-3 years.

Common Myrtle (lat. Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub belonging to the myrtle family (lat. Myrtaceae). A synonymous designation for myrtle is the Latin Myrtus boetica. The homeland of this shrub is the Mediterranean region, where it is abundantly cultivated for ornamental purposes. The flowers, fruits, and indeed the overall appearance of this shrub are attractive, reaching heights of up to 3 metres. As a potted plant, it grows to a maximum height of approximately 1.5 m. Myrtle is not frost-resistant, which is the main reason why it is not cultivated outdoors in our climate. Besides the Mediterranean, it can be found in the Azores and Madeira, where it was introduced. It is also widespread in western Asia, southern Europe, and northern Africa. Another variety is Japanese Myrtle or Chinese Myrtle.

The history of common myrtle dates back to ancient times. During that period, it was used to treat and care for a wide spectrum of ailments. In ancient Greece, myrtle twigs were considered an award and a symbol of honour. In Greek mythology, myrtle is associated with beauty and love, which is why it was consecrated to Venus Aphrodite, the goddess of love and marriage. However, myrtle was also a mourning plant. The name myrtle also comes from ancient Greece. Its name derives from the word "myrtos" or "myron" which means fragrant balm. The designation is accurate, as the entire plant has a beautiful fragrance.

Common myrtle is a shrub reaching heights from half a metre to approximately 3 metres; in favourable conditions, it can grow up to 5 metres tall. The leaves are elliptical, glossy, leathery, and green in colour. Their length is approximately 2.5 - 5 cm. The flowers are small, growing from the leaf axils. Each flower has five corolla petals and many long and prominent stamens. The colour of the flowers is white. The fruit of common myrtle are berries about 7 to 12 mm in size, stalked, black or blue-black in colour. The taste of the berries is resinous-bitter. Each berry contains several seeds.

There are several species of myrtle that differ from each other in leaf shape and size. Varieties of common myrtle include, for example, Myrtus communis "Tarentinia", which is a smaller shrub that produces white fruits after flowering. The branches are short, and the shoots and leaf stalks are densely hairy. The leaves have a narrow ovate shape. Myrtus communis "Variegata" is a cultivar with variegated leaves that have yellow edges. Myrtus communis "Buxifolia" has broadly elliptical leaves. Myrtus communis "Minima" is a cultivar of dwarf growth with small leaves. The cultivar "Flore Pleno" has full white flowers. A cultivar originating from central Italy is Myrtus communis "Italica", which has rigidly upright branches and shoots, and the leaves are rounded-lanceolate, approximately 3 cm long.

Growing Common Myrtle

Common myrtle prefers a sunny location, but can also tolerate partial shade. Staying in a sunny spot will ensure flower formation, but on the other hand, it may cause leaf curling. In a bright location without direct sunlight, the myrtle will have nicer leaves, but it will not bloom. Although it can tolerate mild frost in rich soil, in our climatic conditions, frosts are often stronger and longer-lasting, which could irreparably damage or destroy the plant. Therefore, it is grown as a potted plant. Plant myrtle in humus-rich, lime-free soil. The soil should be well-draining. Myrtle is sensitive to drying out, so water it well with settled water (preferably rainwater) at such intervals that the soil in the pot never dries out completely. If the substrate dries out completely, the leaves would quickly dry out and fall off. Leaf drop also threatens when growing at too high temperatures. The most suitable temperature is normal room temperature of approximately 22 °C. During summer, you can keep the myrtle outdoors on a sheltered balcony or terrace. During winter, it is advisable to keep the myrtle in a bright place with a temperature around 7 °C. If you grow myrtle in cool conditions during winter, reduce watering, but if possible, increase humidity (e.g., by misting). Despite all care, the myrtle may drop leaves in winter, but this doesn't matter - it will sprout new leaves again in spring. In spring, myrtle will appreciate repotting into a larger pot. Repot younger plants annually; for older ones, repotting once every 2-3 years is sufficient. When repotting, don't forget to put a layer of coarse sand or pebbles at the bottom of the pot as drainage so that water can drain well. Another task performed in spring is cutting back leggy shoots. This will make the plant bushier. Myrtle can be shaped as a tree with a trunk or as a bonsai. However, frequently pruned plants bloom less. Myrtle is propagated by seeds and terminal or stem cuttings. Seeds are best sown in spring, when light and temperature conditions are most suitable. Sow seeds in well-draining substrate with the same composition as for adult plants. Before sowing, soak them in warm water for an hour and then sow them preferably on the surface of the substrate; you can also press them in very gently. The most suitable temperature for sowing is in the range of 20-25 °C. The first seedlings will appear in 20 to 60 days. Throughout this time, ensure sufficient substrate moisture.

Pests on Myrtle

Myrtle can be attacked by whiteflies, mealybugs and scale insects. A preventive measure against whiteflies is sufficient access to fresh air. At the summer location, myrtle can occasionally be attacked by aphids, which can be removed by showering with soapy water. If this measure doesn't help, use a spray for sucking and chewing insects (insect spray). Fungal leaf spot and scale may also appear on the leaves. Fungal leaf spot is removed with a fungicide product, while scale is removed either mechanically or with a systemic insecticide. However, the biggest pest can be the grower themselves. If myrtle doesn't get enough water, its leaves will drop off, but on the other hand, water must never be left standing in the saucer, as this would cause the myrtle's roots to rot.

Medicinal Effects and Uses of Myrtle

From myrtle, the leaves and fruits are used for medicinal purposes. Myrtle releases the essential oil myrtol, which is an excellent remedy for clearing the respiratory tract. Tea made from myrtle extracts is recommended for use in gum inflammation, sinus infections and coughs. Myrtle can also be used as a mouthwash. Myrtle tincture is used for urological problems and urinary tract infections, as it has strong disinfectant effects. Crushed leaves treat abrasions, scratches and wounds. They are sometimes also used in treating psoriasis.

Treatment should always last no more than two weeks, long-term use is not recommended!!!

Myrtle finds its use in the kitchen, where its twigs and leaves can be used as a spice. Their taste is similar to that of juniper berries, but somewhat milder. Dried leaves and flowers have a pleasant scent, which is why they are often added to aromatic fragrance blends. Myrtle oil is added to perfumes, soaps, ointments and shampoos. Some cultivars are even used to make wine and spirits.

Myrtle and Its Role in Weddings

Almost everyone knows that myrtle is a popular wedding decoration, but how did this tradition actually begin? The connection between myrtle and weddings has been known since ancient Greece and Rome. Even in those times, newlyweds wore myrtle wreaths on their heads. Myrtle also decorated the entrance to the bride and groom's home. In our region, myrtle began to be cultivated in almost every household in the 19th century as a symbol of love and devotion. On their wedding day, newlyweds would plant myrtle cuttings and then care for them, as it was believed that if the myrtle took root, the marriage would be happy, but if it withered, the marriage would not last. Today, brides often wear myrtle on their wedding bouquet or dress, and it decorates wedding cars, tables, and church pews. Every wedding guest has a small sprig of myrtle pinned to their lapel or clothing. Even today, myrtle is considered a magical plant that brings newlyweds happiness, love, and fertility.