How to Grow, Propagate, Use & Harvest Myrtle (Myrtus communis): A Complete Guide

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub treasured for centuries across the Mediterranean. Known for its aromatic foliage, glossy leaves, white flowers, and dark berries, myrtle blends ornamental beauty with culinary, medicinal, and cultural value. Whether you’re a home gardener, a culinary enthusiast, or a plant collector, myrtle is a rewarding botanical companion.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know: how to grow myrtle, how to propagate it, popular varieties, how it’s used, culinary possibilities, and tips for harvesting.

What Makes Myrtle Special?

Beyond aesthetics, myrtle is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, and natural tannins. Its fragrance appeals to pollinators, while its berries and leaves are used in traditional cuisine and herbal remedies. Its symbolic role in weddings, mythology, and rituals has made it a timeless plant across cultures.

Growing Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Climate & Hardiness

Myrtle thrives in:

Mediterranean climates
USDA zones 8–11
Warm, dry summers & mild winters

Young plants appreciate winter protection in colder climates. Container growing is an excellent workaround for those in temperate regions.

Soil Requirements

Myrtle prefers:

Well-drained soils
Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)
Sandy or loamy texture

Avoid waterlogged soil—root rot is its main enemy.

Sunlight & Exposure

For optimal foliage density and flower production:

Full sun is ideal
Partial shade is tolerable but reduces flowering

Watering & Feeding

Myrtle tolerates drought once established but performs best with:

Moderate watering during dry periods
Mulch to retain soil moisture

Fertilize with balanced organic feed in early spring for robust growth.

Pruning & Shaping

Myrtle responds well to pruning making it suitable for:

Topiaries
Hedges
Bonsai
Container styling

Prune after flowering to maintain shape without removing next year’s buds.

Propagation Techniques

Myrtle can be propagated by seeds and cuttings, but each method suits different goals.

1. Propagation by Seed

Seed propagation promotes genetic diversity, useful for breeding or discovering new traits.

Steps:

Collect ripe berries and remove pulp
Rinse seeds and allow to dry
Sow in a light, sandy substrate
Maintain warmth (20–24°C) and moisture

Germination can take several weeks; patience pays off.

2. Propagation by Cuttings (Most Popular)

Cuttings ensure clones of desired varieties.

Best time:

Late summer or early autumn

Method:

Use semi-hardwood cuttings (8–12 cm)
Remove lower leaves
Dip in rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
Place in well-draining medium
Provide humidity and bright, indirect light

Root development often occurs within 6–10 weeks.

Popular Myrtle Varieties

While Myrtus communis is the standard species, selective breeding has produced diverse options:

✔ Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’

Dwarf habit
Ideal for borders & containers

✔ Myrtus communis ‘Variegata’

Green-white variegated foliage
Adds ornamental flair

✔ Myrtus communis ‘Tarentina’

Small leaves, dense growth
Great for low hedging & bonsai

✔ Myrtle Berry Selections

Some cultivars emphasize berry yield for culinary or liqueur production.

Traditional Uses of Myrtle

Myrtle has been used for centuries for:

Aromatherapy
Cosmetics & natural perfume
Herbal teas & syrups
Ritual & symbolic purposes
Medicine (respiratory & digestive support)

Essential oils are extracted from leaves and berries and valued for antiseptic qualities.

Myrtle in Cuisine & Food Culture

Few shrubs offer such gastronomic versatility.

Leaves

Used to:

Flavor meats (especially pork & game)
Season stews & marinades
Smoke or wrap foods
Leaves resemble bay in usage but with sweeter, resinous notes.

Berries

Berries can be:

Eaten dried
Used as seasoning
Turned into jams, syrups & sauces
Infused into liqueurs

In parts of the Mediterranean, a traditional liqueur is made from macerated berries paired with aromatic leaves.

Essential Oils & Extracts

Used for:

Bitters
Herbal beverages
Digestive tonics

Flavor profile is mildly sweet, peppery, and resinous.

Harvesting Myrtle

When to Harvest Leaves

Best collected mid-summer during peak oil concentration
Choose young but fully formed leaves

When to Harvest Berries

Late autumn to early winter
Fully ripe berries are dark purple to blue-black

Drying & Storage

Leaves should be:

Air-dried in shade
Stored in sealed containers

Berries can be:

Used fresh
Dried
Frozen
Macerated

Proper storage preserves aroma and antioxidant content.

Tips for Growing Myrtle in Containers

Container cultivation is excellent for cold climates.

Key recommendations:

Use terracotta for breathability
Ensure excellent drainage
Bring indoors when temperatures drop near freezing
Provide bright light in winter

Myrtle adapts well to indoor overwintering conditions.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Leaf drop	Overwatering	Reduce irrigation, improve drainage
Yellowing leaves	Nutrient deficiency	Add balanced fertilizer
Poor flowering	Low light	Increase sun exposure
Root rot	Wet soil	Repot, choose well-draining mix

Myrtle is overall hardy and low-maintenance once established.

Final Thoughts

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is both beautiful and practical—an evergreen symbol of ancient culture, culinary delight, and modern garden charm. With the right care, it grows effortlessly, propagates reliably, and rewards you with aromatic leaves, showy flowers, and flavorful berries.

Whether you’re planting a hedge, making herbal liqueur, or simply adding diversity to your garden, myrtle is a shrub worth exploring.

More information

Common Name	Myrtle, Foxtail Myrtle
Family	Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness	8-11
Known Hazards	None known
Habitats	Scrub, avoiding calcareous soils.
Range	S. Europe to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating	(3 of 5)
Other Uses	(4 of 5)
Weed Potential	No
Medicinal Rating	(3 of 5)
Care (info)

How to grow Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

How to Grow, Propagate, Use & Harvest Myrtle (Myrtus communis): A Complete Guide

What Makes Myrtle Special?