How to Grow Myrtle
Myrtus communis
Myrtle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, ideally against a warm south- or west-facing wall for winter protection. Water regularly when young and during dry spells; once established it is fairly drought tolerant. Prune in spring after the last frost to shape; avoid autumn pruning. Feed monthly in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Hardy to about -10C in dry cold but vulnerable to wet, cold winters. Fragrant white flowers appear in summer, followed by dark berries in autumn.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Reduce to nothing in winter.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Myrtle rust
- Aphids
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Needs a warm, sunny position with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Tolerates light shade but flowers best in full sun. A south- or west-facing wall is ideal in cooler climates.
Watering
Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Water regularly when young and during prolonged dry spells. Once established, myrtle is fairly drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Fertilizing
Monthly liquid feed in growing season
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to late summer. Do not feed in winter. Avoid overfeeding which reduces flowering.
Pruning
Light trim in spring after last frost
Prune in spring to reshape after winter. Remove frost-damaged shoots back to healthy wood. Responds well to clipping for hedging and topiary. Never prune in autumn.
Spacing
150-200 cm apart
Space 150-200 cm apart for hedging. As a specimen shrub, allow 200-300 cm for full spread. Can be kept smaller with regular clipping.
Support
None needed; shelter from cold winds
No staking required. Provide shelter from cold north and east winds, ideally against a warm wall. In exposed sites, consider a windbreak.
Growing Tips
Plant against a warm wall
Myrtle is borderline hardy in cooler climates. A south- or west-facing wall provides radiated warmth and shelters from cold north winds.
Prune in spring only
Prune after the last frost to reshape. Autumn or winter pruning leaves wounds vulnerable to cold and wet, which can kill branches.
Good drainage is essential
Myrtle tolerates drought once established but hates waterlogged roots, especially in winter. Add grit to heavy soils at planting time.
