Photo of Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta' flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

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Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta'

Also Known As

  • Myrtus communis 'Compacta'
  • Dwarf Myrtle

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 8a-11

More Options

Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta' plant details

Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, edible, fragrant, topiary, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Densely-set, small, glossy-leaves are highly aromatic when bruised and have long been used as a culinary spice. Becoming a small mounding 2-3'shrub, this compact grower is an excellent choice for edging, hedge or as a subject for bonsai. Summer brings masses of beautiful creamy-white blooms with long, showy stamens. The blossoms give way to tiny blue-black fruits which are eaten fresh or used to make 'Mirto', a much loved herbal liqueur which makes a colorful cocktail addition! This evergreen was held sacred by the Greco-Romans who dedicated it to Venus the goddess of love. S/M-D
An herb grown for it's strongly scented foliage (when crushed). Commonly grown as a topiary specimen. Small fragrant white flowers are borne in summer. Provide good drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.
Can't tolerate drought? This plant can! If that's not a catchy hook, I'm not sure what is. I'll skip all the stuff about how legendary this plant is since I wouldn't really know what I'm talking about. The main point is it's a useful garden plant that we don't see enough of in the Northwest. Native to the Mediterranean, it has glossy, deep green, evergreen leaves and white exotic looking flowers followed by edible fruit. This dwarf form remains only a few feet tall and would be great for borders and edging, as a feature shrub or for many other uses. Hardy to about 10 °F.

Gardening facts about Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta' plant

How to Grow Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Fruit

    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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