How to Grow Myrtus communis

Climate & Frost Tolerance

Myrtus communis thrives in Mediterranean, subtropical, and warm temperate climates, making it well suited to most parts of Australia.

• Prefers warm, dry summers and mild winters
• Frost tolerant to at lease 5C (I grew it in Katoomba)
• Performs well in coastal climates

Size

• Height: in theory 2–4 m, but mine always stayed smaller, probably due to the soil
• Width: 1.5–3 m
• Can be kept much smaller with pruning or grown as a compact hedge

Growth Rate

• Moderate growth rate
• Responds well to shaping and pruning

Soil

Myrtle adapts to a range of soils provided drainage is good.

• Prefers light, well-drained soils
• Tolerates sandy or loamy soils
• Slightly acid or alkaline to neutral soil is ideal

Drainage

• Requires good drainage
• Does not tolerate waterlogged soil

Sun or Shade

• Best grown in full sun to light shade
• Full sun encourages the best flowering and berry production

Water Requirements

• Moderate water while establishing
• Once established, it becomes fairly drought tolerant
• Water deeply but infrequently during prolonged dry periods

Pruning

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
• Can be clipped into formal hedges or topiary
• Responds well to regular trimming

Uses of Myrtus communis

Edible & Culinary Uses

Both the berries and aromatic leaves of myrtle have long culinary traditions.

• Berries can be used to make jams, syrups, and liqueurs
• Traditionally used to flavour roasted meats and game
• Leaves may be used as a Mediterranean herb similar to bay
• Key ingredient in the traditional Myrtle liqueur (Mirto) from Sardinia

The berries have a sweet, resinous flavour with herbal notes.

Drinks & Preserving

• Myrtle berries are commonly used in herbal syrups and cordials
• Infused into spirits or homemade liqueurs
• Can be dried or preserved for later use

Medicinal & Traditional Uses

Historically used in Mediterranean herbal traditions.

• Leaves contain aromatic essential oils
• Traditionally used for respiratory and digestive support
• Infusions sometimes used as a herbal antiseptic wash

(Traditional uses only — not medical advice.)

Beauty & Fragrance

• Leaves distilled for myrtle essential oil
• Used in herbal skin tonics and hair rinses
• Traditionally associated with purity and weddings

Household Uses

• Aromatic leaves may be used in potpourri or incense blends
• The fragrant foliage can help repel some insects

Garden Uses

• Evergreen hedge or screening shrub
• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Herb and edible gardens
• Wildlife gardens (flowers attract pollinators)
• Container plant or patio shrub
• Can be shaped into topiary

The combination of glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and edible berries makes it a valuable multi-purpose plant in productive gardens.

Other Names

Common Names

• Common Myrtle
• True Myrtle
• Sweet Myrtle
• Roman Myrtle

Names in Other Languages

• German: Echte Myrte
• French: Myrte commune
• Italian: Mirto
• Spanish: Mirto

Botanical Synonyms

• Myrtus communis var. communis
• Myrtus italica (historic botanical name occasionally encountered)