Common myrtle Myrtus communis
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Mediterranean basin (maquis). It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart.
Plan Common myrtle in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Common myrtle at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries (liqueur, "mirto"), leaves (flavouring) |
| Native to | Mediterranean basin (maquis) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Common myrtle toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic; aromatic leaves.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common myrtle
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
See Common myrtle in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (3 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (2 plants)
Questions about Common myrtle
- How far apart should I plant Common myrtle?
- About 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Common myrtle need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common myrtle need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common myrtle?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Common myrtle flower?
- From about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common myrtle poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic; aromatic leaves.
- What grows well with Common myrtle?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common myrtle. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Aromatic evergreen; fluffy white flowers with a burst of stamens. Traditional in bridal bouquets (including British royal weddings).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium