Myrtus communis

Used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for wreaths, this 4-10' shrub has fragrant leaves and flowers and berries used in liquor, but it also takes pruning in stride, making it an excellent hedge or topiary. S-PSh/M

The True Myrtle or Common Myrtle, also known as Poor Man’s Bay, is an aromatic, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Mediterranean basin. A prized garden plant in its native land, Myrtle is used for its leaves and fruit as a spice and the essential oil is coveted by soapmakers and perfumers. In Sardinia and Corsica, Myrtle berries are used to create the traditional liqueur Mirto which is considered unique to these islands. Evergreen, lanceolate foliage is a deep green, smothered with white, sweetly scented, fluffy flowers in midsummer. Flowers are followed by small, dark purple berries that have a distinctive flavor between blueberry and bay laurel. Fruit ripens in late fall, so Myrtle makes a great addition to the edible landscape to help provide food throughout the year. There are several cultivars of Myrtle ranging from dwarf to variegated selections, but our offering is the standard tried and true, full sized variety. Cold hardy to zone 8a and above, or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 "typical form" of the species may eventually reach 5 - 6' tall, but is easily kept smaller, and is hardy to about 10 - 12°F.