Myrtle

Myrtus communis

Also known as Myrtus communis var. macrocarpa, Myrtus communis var. jonssetii, Myrtus communis var. gallachi, Myrtus communis var. baui

Zones 5–10Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Indoor Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Myrtle · Mediterranean · Fragrant · Evergreen · Shrub · Edible Berries · Container Plant · Drought Tolerant · Pollinator · Herbal

Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyAir-purifyingIndoorMedicinalAttracts pollinators

In stock at 3 nurseriesStock updated 9/6/2026

Common myrtle is a versatile Mediterranean shrub that adapts well to containers, hedging, or as a specimen plant in sunny borders, tolerating a range of soil types as long as drainage is good. Water regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to partially dry between waterings, and reduce frequency in winter. It responds well to light pruning to maintain shape and produces fragrant white flowers followed by edible blue-black berries.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 6 hours
Watering: Water thoroughly then allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again · Every 7-10 days
Maintenance: Low
Soil: loam
Soil pH: 6–7
Temperature: -20°F to 85°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed, Cutting

Hardiness

USDA 5a-10b

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Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 12 in – 3 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Spacing: 36 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, California, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Corse, Cuba, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds

Sources: trefle