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

    Photo by Almost Eden

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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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

    By: Forestfarm

    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.

    By: Almost Eden

    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.

    By: The Desert Northwest

    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

    See other plant types of Myrtus for your garden

    Myrtus communis 'Ann McDonald'

    aka Ann McDonald Myrtle

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 8'-10'

    Width: 10'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • low
    Photo of Myrtus communis 'Ann McDonald' flower by Javier martin
    View Plant

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    Luma apiculata 'Glanleam Gold'

    aka Myrtus luma 'Glanleam Gold', Gold Chilean Myrtle, Variegated Myrtle

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 8'-10'

    Width: 3'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • regular
    Photo of Luma apiculata 'Glanleam Gold' flower, foliage by Joshua McCullough
    View Plant

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    Myrtus communis 'Andy Van'

    aka Myrtus communis 'Andy Van Helvengen', Myrtus communis 'Andy's Hardy', Andy Van Myrtle

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Herb

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-5'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Myrtus communis 'Andy Van' foliage by Evan Bean
    View Plant

    More Options

    Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina

    aka Myrtus communis 'Jenny Reitenbach', Myrtus communis 'Microphylla', Myrtus communis 'Narrow Leaf', Myrtus communis 'Tarantina', Myrtus communis 'Tarentina', Myrtus communus taurantinus, Dwarf Sweet Myrtle, Greek Narrow Leaf Myrtle, Microphylla Common Myrtle, Microphylla True Myrtle, Small Leaved Myrtle, Small Leaved Myrtle, Tarentina Myrtle

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Perennial

    Zones

    7b-11

    Size

    Height: 2'-6'

    Width: 2'-4'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • regular - low
    Photo of Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina flower by Daryll's Nursery
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    More Options

    Myrtus communis [upright red]

    aka Common Myrtle [upright red]

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8a-10b

    Size

    Height: 4'-6'

    Width: 4'-5'

    • bright shade
    • drought tolerant
    Photo of Myrtus communis [upright red] foliage by Evan Bean
    View Plant
    +9 more Myrtus
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