Key Features
- Produces glossy evergreen foliage with a naturally refined appearance.
- Develops delicate white flowers with prominent golden stamens.
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed choice for ornamental home gardens.
- Suitable for borders, hedges, containers, Mediterranean gardens, and landscapes.
- Performs best in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Growing Benefits
- Adds year-round evergreen structure to suitable garden spaces.
- Creates a graceful backdrop for cottage and Mediterranean gardens.
- Aromatic foliage brings sensory interest to outdoor plantings.
- Works well as a hedge, border, or container specimen.
- White flowers add delicate seasonal beauty to mature plants.
Seed Specifications
- Common Name: Myrtle, Common Myrtle
- Botanical Name: Myrtus communis
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
- Flower Color: White
- Foliage Color: Glossy dark green
- Foliage: Small, leathery, aromatic leaves
- Growth Habit: Upright, branching, and naturally bushy
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment
- Germination Time: Approximately 3–8 weeks under favorable conditions
- Sowing Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly
- Spacing: Approximately 24–36 inches for young plants; allow more room for mature growth
- Growing Zones: Generally suited to USDA Zones 8–10
- Flowering/Maturity: Mature plants typically produce white flowers during warmer growing periods
- Uses: Mediterranean gardens, hedges, borders, containers, cottage gardens, ornamental landscapes, and specimen plantings
Growing Tips
- Start seeds in a light, well-drained growing medium and keep them consistently moist.
- Provide bright light and warmth during germination and early seedling growth.
- Choose a sunny outdoor location protected from severe winter cold.
- Prune established plants lightly to maintain a compact shape when desired.
Seed Storage
Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark location. Keep them sealed in their original packet or an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
Important Growing Note
Myrtus communis is a Mediterranean evergreen that prefers warm conditions and well-drained soil. It is not reliably hardy in areas with prolonged freezing temperatures. Seed-grown plants can vary in growth habit and may take several years to reach flowering size.
Unique Facts About Seeds
- Myrtle belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes eucalyptus and guava.
- Its small evergreen leaves are naturally aromatic when crushed.
- White Myrtle flowers feature numerous prominent stamens that give them a delicate, brush-like appearance.
- Mature plants may produce small dark berries after flowering.
