The mostly commonly cultivated myrtle is Myrtus communis, which is widespread throughout the Mediterranean, while other species such as Saharan myrtle (M. nivelli) grows only in the mountains of Tassili n’Ajjer and Tibesti, and in southern Algeria. M. nivelli is also endangered, but its status as a distinct species is debated by some botanists. There are at least a dozen other genera, including Eugenia, Lophomyrtus, Luma, Rhodomyrtus, Syzygium and Ugni, native to South American regions and New Zealand.
Other Variations Of Myrtle
- Microphylla variegata: a variagated myrtle
- with light green, cream-edged leaves. It is less hardy than the plain variety.
- Microphylla tarentina: this compact variety
- has a very dense habitat, small neat leaves, and numerous small flowers in the summer, followed by white fruits. It is wind-resistant, and good for hedging in mild areas.
Cultivation Of Myrtle
Indoors
Not being the most hardiest of shrubs, common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is best grown indoors during winter months and placed outside for the summer. When potting, use sterilised indoor potting soil and a pot with good drainage to avoid water-logging the roots. However, do not allow the plant to dry out, keep moist and feed it regularly with a balanced liquid feed. Traditionally, myrtle is grown in sculpted shapes like topiaries; to keep it looking its best, trim regularly. Reduce trimming during the summer to ensure a long flowering season. Repot in alternate years in spring.
Outdoors
If planting outdoors, plant myrtle in late spring and protect with a layer of insulating fleece during frosty weather. To propagate in spring, separate the pulp of the ripe berry from the seed. Sow fresh and place under greenhouse protection at 15 degrees centigrade. Germination takes approximately one to two months, but may take longer. Alternatively, take softwood cuttings in summer from non-flowering shoots. With either methods, once the plants are well rooted it is time to pot and continue nurturing for at least two seasons before planting in a prepared site.
Myrtle should be planted in well-drained soil in a spot where it can bask in full sun. It will prove fairly hardy, but wet will kill the plant quicker than the cold; it can survive in temperatures of minus 10 degrees centigrade while variegated forms are less hardy and can only withstand temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees. To maintain outside, feed once in spring with well-rotted compost and nourish container-grown plants weekly during the growing season.
Over-fed plants will not flower. In Mediterranean climes, trim myrtle in autumn. In colder climates, trim in spring. To harvest, pick fresh leaves throughout the year and harvest fresh flowers as required in summer. Pick berries in late autumn.
Botanical Profile
Height: in the wild, myrtle can grow 3–5m, while in pots and in colder regions it will
grow to 1–1.2m.
Spread: insects pollinate the flowers whilebirds eat the berries and disperse the seeds.
Leaves: elliptic to oval in shape, dark green and shiny, aromatic; 3–5cm long.
Flowers: early summer to fall, fragrant delicate white flowers that gradually change into berries; five petals and sepals, with a proliferation of long, elegant stamens.
Fruit: edible blue-black berries containing seeds; 0.7-1.2cm diameter.
Bibliography
- Andi Clevely. The new guide to herbs. London. Anness Publishing Ltd, 1995.
- Deni Bown. The Royal Horticultural Society: Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. London. A Dorling Kindersley Book, 1996.
- Patricia Davis. Aromatherapy an A-Z. London. Ebury Press, 2002.
- Jessica Houdret. The green-fingered gardener: growing herbs. London. Anness Publishing Ltd, 2004
- Julia Lawless. The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. London. Thorsons, 2002.
- Salvatore Battaglia. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Australia. Perfect Potion, 2002.
- Jekka McVicar. New book of herbs. London. Dorling Kindersley Book, 2002.
- Charles M. Skinner. Myths and legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits and Plants . The Netherlands.Fredonia Books, 2002.
 |
