Common Myrtle
Myrtus communis
Also known as Myrtle
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Myrtle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Common Myrtle is a dense, evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers followed by dark berries. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates.
Why grow it
Common Myrtle offers reliable evergreen structure and fragrant flowers in Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens where many deciduous shrubs would not persist. Compared to related myrtles, it is notably hardy and widely adapted, making it a practical choice for regions with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The dark berries provide late-season interest and food for birds.
Watch out for
In cooler climates near its hardiness limits, young plants may need winter protection during establishment. Myrtle prefers well-draining soil and can decline in wet or poorly drained sites, even when otherwise well-sited. In some regions, scale insects and spider mites may require monitoring during dry spells.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean region
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Common Myrtle is a dense, evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers followed by dark berries. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Myrtle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common Myrtle offers reliable evergreen structure and fragrant flowers in Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens where many deciduous shrubs would not persist. Compared to related myrtles, it is notably hardy and widely adapted, making it a practical choice for regions with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The dark berries provide late-season interest and food for birds.
Watch out for
In cooler climates near its hardiness limits, young plants may need winter protection during establishment. Myrtle prefers well-draining soil and can decline in wet or poorly drained sites, even when otherwise well-sited. In some regions, scale insects and spider mites may require monitoring during dry spells.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean region
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.