Myrtus communis Seeds | Common Myrtle
LATIN NAME: Myrtus communis
COMMON NAME: Common Myrtle
Plant Profile
Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) grows as a shrub. Common myrtle is fragrant, fine-leaved shrub of the Mediterranean, and it has been grown around warm basin since old civilisations. Small, glossy, aromatic leaves and white, fluffy flowers with their many long stamens give bush a soft, airy look through early summer, and blue-black berries follow through the autumn. The whole plant carries a sweet, resinous scent that fills the air around it on a warm day. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Myrtus group, Myrtus communis contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Myrtle has a long paper trail in botanical and horticultural journals, mostly because of aromatic oil carried in its leaves. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Common Myrtle works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Common myrtle is a shrub of many quiet uses. Leaves have long been added to kitchen for their sweet, spicy scent, and oil is used in perfumery and natural cleaning products. Berries have a traditional use in warm-country kitchens, and wood is hard, fine-grained and prized for small turned and carved work. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Myrtle is the aromatic bride of Mediterranean tradition, its leaves and berries flavoring liqueurs and roasts; the essential oil is used in European herbalism for respiratory comfort.
Growing from Seed
Common Myrtle is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Common Myrtle settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
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