Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina

Myrtus communis is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with small, pointed, shiny leaves on plants usually growing 4-6 feet tall. In summer the branches sport beautiful, white, fragrant flowers filled with many yellow-tipped stamens. These are followed by edible blue-black berries that can be made into jams, jellies, liqueurs, and desserts which are commonly seen in Mediterranean Europe. They, as well as the flowers, stems, and leaves, can be dried and used for flavourings for food. The leaves are sometimes used as an alternative to bay leaves. The fresh flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads. Common myrtle hails from the Mediterranean Basin to India. In colder zones, grow in a container and protect in winter.

Neat, compact shrub with narrow, glossy green leaves, aromatic of course, and pink-tinged, white flowers followed by white berries -- all rather tiny. Flowers are fragrant and attractive to bees. To 3 ft x 3 ft in 10 years. Best in full sun with very little supplemental water once established. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8.

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 has smaller leaves than the species, to around 1/2" long. Despite the small leaves, this plant is vigorous and can reach 5' tall, but usually tends to have a narrow habit. It is very aromatic and can be sheared to any shape.

Cream bloom, summer.

Myrtle is a favorite subject for topiary with smaller glossy green oval leaves and dainty white puff flowers in summer.

Dwarf form of Sweet Myrtle that should be a great addition to the evergreen shrub palette here in PT. Hardiness is increased with less water in summer and likes a nice sunny spot - we can do this! Aromatic foliage when crushed with small fragrant white flowers late summer.