myrtle
Myrtus communis 'Compacta'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 10
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
green,red,purple,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
It is important to regularly water Myrtle plants to keep them healthy and happy. A usual watering schedule is to water them every 4 to 7 days. However, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, you may need to increase or decrease watering as needed. The soil should remain moist but never soggy. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil and wait until the excess water has drained before adding more. Give it a good soaking once or twice a month, rather than a light sprinkle more often.
sunlight
Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Compacta') requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. This should generally be spread out during the day in order to provide the steady, bright light it needs. Typically, it should receive full morning sun and then a bit of shade during the middle and later parts of the day, this will help to create a strong, healthy plant. During its growing season (spring and summer), myrtle also benefits from some additional late afternoon and evening sunlight.
pruning
Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Compacta') does best when it is pruned annually. Pruning helps to shape the shrub and encourages healthy growth. Pruning should take place in early summer after the buds have opened and before the flowers begin to appear. Start by removing any diseased or dead branches to keep the plant looking healthy and free of pests or diseases. Lightly prune the myrtle by cutting back 1-third of the oldest branches to the ground and shaping up the plant. This will encourage compact, dense growth. When trimming, try to keep the top of the shrub around 6 inches higher than the sides. This will help to create an attractive planting and frame the flowers when they appear. Continue with some light pruning through the summer, as needed, to remove any straggly or unruly growth and to keep the shape of the shrub. Regular pruning will also help to keep the myrtle productive, since the new flowers and fruit will form on the tips of the current season's growth. It's important to stop pruning by the end of summer so new growth has time to harden off before winter arrives.
