Myrtle (Myrtus communis 'Compacta')
Myrtus communis 'Compacta' is a fragrant, compact evergreen celebrated for its showy white flowers and low maintenance needs.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’, commonly known as Myrtle, is a highly valued broadleaf evergreen cultivar prized for its neatly mounding, compact habit. This dwarf variety maintains glossy, dark green foliage year-round, offering excellent structure near foundations or as a defining border element. Gardeners appreciate this Myrtle for its delicate yet abundant blooms and the strong, pleasant fragrance released when the small leaves are crushed.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ is renowned for its low necessary input once established, making it an amenable choice where low maintenance is key. While the species grows much taller, this cultivar remains a manageable 2 to 3 feet high and wide, perfect for formal low hedges or containers that require limited shearing. Its versatility allows it to transition easily between use as a functional hedge and an aromatic specimen plant.
The plant rewards patient gardeners with fragrant white flowers appearing from late spring into mid-summer, which transform into edible blue-black berries later in the season. For those seeking Mediterranean character in temperate climates (Zones 8-10), incorporating Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ brings timeless beauty and useful aromatic qualities to the landscape.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Myrtaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting the Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ is best done in spring or early fall, allowing the root system time to anchor before temperature extremes. Select a location providing full sun to light afternoon shade, ensuring the soil is sharply drained, as heavy, poorly draining conditions are its primary enemy. Moderately fertile, medium-moisture soil is ideal, though established plants show good drought tolerance.
Ongoing care for this Myrtle is minimal due to its low maintenance rating. Maintain consistent medium moisture, especially for containerized specimens, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is moderately fertile, but a balanced slow-release feed in spring can support robust growth and blooming. Pruning should focus primarily on shaping, as this dwarf cultivar naturally maintains a compact form.
For gardeners in Northern zones, container culture is recommended. Bring Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ indoors before the first hard frost, providing bright light and reducing watering significantly during overwintering. Sharply drained media is crucial year-round to prevent the root rot that can plague this Mediterranean native. Propagation can be achieved through seeds or cuttings.
Landscape Uses
The compact nature of Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ makes it exceptionally adaptable across various landscape designs. It excels as a formal, low foundation planting where space is limited, achieving neat boundaries without overwhelming structures. Its dense, evergreen foliage makes it an ideal choice for low hedges or screens, providing year-round definition.
Beyond structural uses, this Myrtle is excellent in patio planters or decorative containers, particularly near seating areas where its fragrant qualities can be appreciated up close. Used as a specimen, it draws the eye to its neat form and summer blooms. This dwarf cultivar is also historically associated with culinary uses, making it a wonderful functional herb plant, and it is popular in bonsai applications.
For a Mediterranean themed garden, pair Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ with drought-tolerant, sun-loving companions such as Lavender, Rosemary, or ornamental grasses that share similar soil drainage preferences. Its dense habit also makes it an excellent low backdrop plant for textural perennials.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Myrtus communis, commonly called myrtle, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to the Mediterranean region. Pointed, opposite (sometimes whorls), ovate to lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves (to 2” long) are strongly aromatic when bruised. ‘Compacta’ is a compact, slow growing, dwarf cultivar featuring small evergreen leaves that are fragrant when crushed and delicate, ¾ in. White flowers that have numerous long stamens, maturing into small blue-black berries.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Generally, Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ exhibits resistance to serious insect pests and diseases. The most significant threat to this Myrtle is poor soil drainage, which often leads to root rot, particularly in wet winters or heavy clay soils. Ensure planting sites offer sharp drainage to mitigate this risk.
Monitor periodically for common garden troublemakers such as scale insects, thrips, and spider mites, especially when the plant is grown indoors over winter. A systemic insecticide or horticultural oil can effectively manage minor infestations if they occur, but cultural practices remain the best preventative measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Myrtle suitable for?
The Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10.
How large does Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a mature size of 2 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in spread.
What sun exposure does Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ need?
This plant performs best when situated where it receives full sun exposure or part shade, thriving in conditions that mimic its bright native Mediterranean environment.
When does Myrtle bloom?
The fragrant white flowers of the Myrtle generally appear between May and July.
Conclusion
The Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ offers significant aesthetic and aromatic value in a perfectly miniaturized, low-maintenance package. Its fragrant foliage, attractive summer flowers, and evergreen structure make this Myrtle a staple for small gardens and containers across Zones 8-10. Before planting, confirm your soil drains sharply, and enjoy this essential Mediterranean evergreen.
Propagation Tips
As a cultivar, propagation of true-to-type Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ is often accomplished most successfully through cuttings taken from semi-hardwood growth in the summer. Ensure cuttings have several nodes and place them in a well-draining propagation mix under humid conditions to encourage rooting. While seed propagation is possible, seedlings may revert to the characteristics of the straight species, losing the desirable dwarf habit.
Design Ideas
The disciplined structure of Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ makes it perfect for creating formal garden elements. Use it to edge pathways, forming neat, low geometric shapes that contrast nicely with loose, flowing grasses or perennial borders. Its dark green color provides an excellent foil for lighter-colored flowers blooming during the summer months.
When used in container arrangements, allow the Myrtle to serve as the “thriller” or upright component, balancing cascading annuals. Its aromatic quality is maximized when placed near patios or entryways where daily interaction and potential leaf crushing release its fragrance into the air.
