Myrtus communis 'Andy Van'

Of all the world's fragrant plants, myrtle probably has my favorite scent. Olivier Filippi in The Dry Gardening Handbook accurately describes it as "both pungent and fruity." But just as importantly, it is a very "natural" scent and not something I could imagine getting an allergic reaction to! Myrtle has also been an important plant in medicine, cooking, and lore going all the way back to ancient times - for example, a concoction distilled from its leaves was said to have power to restore youth to the elderly. However, not being old enough to feel like we need to try this yet, we mostly appreciate it for its great ornamental qualities; as it is seen too infrequently in Pacific Northwest gardens. With deep green, evergreen leaves it always looks neat and tidy. In mid to late summer the plant is covered in showy white flowers, which are followed by dark berries! Myrtle is very easy to grow, and will tolerate sun or part shade. Being from the Mediterranean it is very drought tolerant, and useful in water-wise plantings. This form was selected for its cold-hardiness in the Willamette Valley of Oregon (to at least 10°F), and has a slightly more compact growth habit, perhaps to 3 - 4' tall.

A surprisingly hardy true Myrtle grown for years By Andy Van Hevelingen in Newburg OR in full sun where it has laughed at winters in single digits. Named by Sean Hogan, this hardy form is a good evergreen with summer small white fragrant flowers. Leaves good flavoring for pork.