Does it need full sun?

Yes, it performs best in full sun to light shade.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it makes an excellent container plant if given good drainage.

Plant guide

Common Myrtle.

Myrtus communis

Pronounced MUR-tus ko-MYOO-nis

Also known as Myrtle

The common myrtle is a lovely evergreen shrub known for its glossy, aromatic leaves and delicate white flowers. It thrives in Mediterranean climates and brings a classic, elegant feel to any garden. You will love the sweet scent it releases when you brush against its foliage.

Another photo of Common Myrtle — Photo by Thomas Dreux (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 15 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings and never let it become soggy, to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage dense growth.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back lightly in late summer to maintain desired form.
Repotting: Move to a slightly larger container once the roots fill the current pot.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -5 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many decades with proper care.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though essential oils derived from it can be irritating if ingested in large quantities.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The small berries may pose a choking hazard to small children if ingested.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the aromatic oils.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild hay fever symptoms in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: While the berries are edible, they should be consumed in moderation as they can cause stomach upset in some people.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green ovate leaves
Fragrant foliage when crushed
Small star shaped white flowers
Dark blue to black berries
Dense evergreen shrub habit

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 1.2 to 2.5m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: blue, black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Scale insects · Small sap-sucking insects that appear as bumps on stems and leaves.
Root rot · Fungal infection caused by overly wet soil conditions.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, move containers to a frost-free location or provide heavy mulch for ground-planted specimens. Ensure the plant stays relatively dry during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided you use a pot with drainage holes and a minimum diameter of 40 centimeters.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Take 10 centimeter cuttings in late summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Place in a pot with moist, sandy soil.
Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Group these plants in a sunny, well-drained spot to create a fragrant Mediterranean-style garden.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well-draining soil.
Rosemary · Both are Mediterranean shrubs that thrive in the same environmental conditions.

Similar species

Chilean Myrtle · It shares similar foliage and aromatic qualities but has distinct bark.

Science

Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Myrtus
Order: Myrtales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region
Conservation: This species is common and not currently of conservation concern.

It is well adapted to dry, rocky soils and hot, sunny climates.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, provides cover for small birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, culinary spice, fragrant hedge, essential oil production

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it performs best in full sun to light shade.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it makes an excellent container plant if given good drainage.

Where the name comes from

The name Myrtus comes from the Greek word myrtos, referring to the plant's aromatic qualities, while communis means common.

Good to know

The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed.
Myrtle wood is sometimes used for fine woodworking.
It is a traditional plant used in bridal bouquets in some European countries.
The plant thrives in the dry, sunny conditions of the Mediterranean.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.