Photo of Myrtus communis [upright red] foliage by Evan Bean

Photo by Evan Bean

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Myrtus communis [upright red]

Also Known As

  • Common Myrtle [upright red]

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 4'-5'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

Myrtus communis [upright red] plant details

Myrtus communis [upright red] is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by blue fruit. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Myrtus communis [upright red]

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: red stems, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Myrtus communis [upright red]

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: bright shade
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This, a result of our hybridizing over the years, forms a most fragrant shrub to 4-6 ft with red stems and upturned leaves, also tinted red especially in new growth. Charming, white spring flowers lead to blue fruit. Otherwise the same as other Myrtus, loving mineral soil, bright light and tolerating of summer drought. Frost hardy to the bottoms of USDA zone 8.

Gardening facts about Myrtus communis [upright red] plant

How to Grow Myrtus communis [upright red]

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Fruit

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Myrtus for your garden

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
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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
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aka Myrtus communis 'Compacta', Dwarf Myrtle

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina 'Compacta' flower by Almost Eden
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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
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More Options

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

+9 more Myrtus
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