Myrtus Species, Myrtle

Surprisingly these are very happy on the south side of my house in heavy black clay. Since they resent wet feet I planted them on a small...Read More berm. They have been in the ground for 6 years and have survived a couple of colder that usual winters in zone 8a with minimal branch dieback. They have a lovely natural shape and produce many gorgeous flowers and heavy crops of berries. The berries can be used to flavor Sardinian dishes and to make mirto, a purple liquor popular in Sardinia and Corsica. The foliage is a lovely glossy green and very fragrant.

Assuming I have the correct species for this page, I have a Myrtus Boetica, known as Twisted Myrtle. This is a wonderful plant here in P...Read Morehoenix, Arizona, zone 9b. It takes on a wonderful form with very little litter given its size. It took a while for it to get established, but once it did, it just grew wonderfully. One can trim the branches to fit in almost any area and to some degree its shape. It takes little water. I saturate the ground once a week in the Hotest parts of the summer, which may be much more than it needs.

I have never noticed any spines on this plant.

Myrtle is an attractive evergreen shrub which likes a sheltered well drained position. Does NOT like cold burning winds.
The aroma...Read Moretic flowers were used in bridal bouquets.
Medicinally an infusion made from the leaves is said to ease flatulence and colic,and to be useful in cases of chest infections when taken with honey.
Mytle berries are used to sweeten the breath and can also be used for hair colouring - though I have no personal experience with this!
Dried Myrtle berries were used as a spice.