Birthday
HydrangeasCommon myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub or small tree with glossy aromatic leaves, fluffy white flowers and dark blue berries. For thousands of years it has symbolised love and marriage: it was sacred to Aphrodite, woven into wedding wreaths, and British brides still tuck a sprig of myrtle into their bouquets. Here is what myrtle looks like, where its symbolism comes from and how to grow it at home without it dropping its leaves after the first winter.
What kind of plant is myrtle
In the wild, myrtle grows on dry, rocky slopes around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, reaching 3–5 metres. Its small, firm leaves smell spicy and resinous when crushed thanks to their essential oil. In summer it produces single white flowers with a mass of long stamens, followed in autumn by blue-black berries. In Sardinia and Corsica the berries are made into mirto liqueur, and the leaves flavour meat marinades.
In Ukraine myrtle survives outdoors only where winters are very mild; elsewhere it is a houseplant or container plant that can spend summer on a balcony or in the garden. Small-leaved cultivars such as 'Tarentina' and the variegated 'Variegata' are especially good indoors. Myrtle tolerates clipping very well, so it is shaped into balls, standards and bonsai.
Myrtle in myths and traditions
The ancient Greeks dedicated myrtle to Aphrodite: in one legend the goddess, emerging from the sea, hid behind a myrtle bush. The Romans linked it to Venus and awarded myrtle wreaths to generals who won victories without major bloodshed. In Judaism myrtle branches (hadass) are one of the Four Species used during Sukkot.
Myrtle and weddings
In Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries, brides wore a myrtle wreath (Myrtenkranz) for centuries as a symbol of purity and faithfulness. The British tradition began in the 19th century: in 1845 Queen Victoria received a sprig of myrtle from Prince Albert's family, which grew into a bush in the garden at Osborne House. Since then sprigs from this plant or its descendants have appeared in the bouquets of many royal brides, including Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Today myrtle is a lovely, inexpensive way to add a meaningful symbol to a bridal bouquet or boutonniere. For more ideas see wedding table flowers and traditional Ukrainian weddings.
How to care for myrtle at home
- Light. Myrtle loves plenty of light, including direct morning and evening sun. A south, east or west window is best; in summer a balcony or garden, to which the plant should be introduced gradually.
- Watering. The golden rule: never let the root ball dry out completely. Even one drought can trigger heavy leaf drop. Equally, do not let water stand in the saucer. Use soft, settled water.
- Winter. Ideally a cool, bright room or glazed balcony at 5–10 °C, with less watering. If myrtle overwinters in a warm flat with radiators, mist it more often and keep it away from the heat.
- Soil and repotting. A loose, slightly acidic mix with drainage. Repot young plants every spring and mature ones every 2–3 years.
- Feeding. Every 2 weeks from April to August with fertiliser for foliage or flowering plants.
- Pruning. In spring, after winter. Regular pinching creates a dense crown, but frequent clipping reduces flowering.
Propagation
The easiest way is from 5–8 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut in rooting hormone and root in a peat and sand mix under a cover at 20–22 °C. Roots appear in 3–5 weeks. Seeds work too, but cultivars do not come true and flowering takes 4–5 years.
Common problems
- Yellowing, falling leaves: drought, too warm a winter or too little light.
- No flowers: clipped too often, kept warm in winter or grown in shade.
- Spider mites and scale appear in dry air. Regular lukewarm showers help, and pest treatments if an infestation is severe.
You may read that myrtle "cleans the air of germs". The leaves do contain aromatic volatile compounds, but there is no scientific evidence that a single potted plant noticeably purifies the air in a flat, so grow myrtle for its beauty and scent. Dried leaves are great in sachets and potpourri; see DIY potpourri and sachets.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my myrtle drop its leaves?
Most often because the root ball dried out or the winter was too warm and dry. If the branches are still flexible, the plant will recover.
Can myrtle grow in the garden?
In summer, yes. Bring it indoors for winter: myrtle does not survive Ukrainian frosts.
When does myrtle flower?
Usually in summer, given good light and a cool winter rest.
What does myrtle mean as a gift?
Traditionally love, faithfulness and a strong marriage, which is why it is given to newlyweds. Browse potted plants in our catalogue.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
