Bride Myrtle, Myrtus communis – Information & Care

The berry fruits are about 1 cm in size, contain up to 30 seeds and are edible. The berries are only of regional economic interest in their habitats on the Mediterranean.

sorts

The bridal myrtle is the only species of the myrtle family that occurs in Europe. Their natural habitat is limited to the Mediterranean area. The sophisticated beauty of flowers thrives in the tub in our latitudes; at least in frost-free times on the balcony and terrace. From the Myrtus communis emerged magnificent cultivars, which are characterized by specific attributes. In the following we will introduce you to successful varieties in more detail:

Microphylla

The top-class variety convinces with abundant flowers and majestic stature. When the white flowers stand out above the dark green, elegantly shiny foliage from June to September, other flowering plants have a hard time keeping up. It is no coincidence that Microphylla is one of the best-selling Myrtus communis in Germany. – Growth height 200-300 cm

Compact

As the name of the variety already suggests, this bridal myrtle comes as a dwarf form. Thanks to this successful breeding, gardeners with limited space do not have to do without the summer blossom festival. – Height 60-70 cm

Varied

This cultivar scores with up to 5 cm long, elliptical leaves that are creamy white edged and variegated. The white flowers create a romantic interplay, the attraction of which nobody can escape. – Height 100-120 cm

Flore Pleno

If you flirt with a bridal myrtle, the white flowers of which are filled, Flore Pleno is just the thing. Thanks to the lavish abundance of flowers, the appearance is in no way impaired if you cut off one or the other branch as a vase decoration. – Growth height 120-150 cm

Your regional garden center and the local tree nursery also have local special varieties on offer. Well-known representatives are ‘Hamburger Brautmyrte’ or ‘Greetings from Ehrental’.

maintenance

Whichever bridal myrtle you choose, the varieties largely comply with the requirements for proper care. The following information highlights all important aspects of a successful cultivation of the cold-sensitive flowering diva as a container plant.

location

The bridal myrtle achieves its blossom-rich optimum in the open air. From April the flowering shrub can already spend the days on the balcony and terrace, provided it moves behind glass for the cold nights. The demanding plant will gladly accept a place with the following framework conditions:

• Full sun to bright location
• Warm , protected from wind and rain
• Ideally in front of a south wall under a protective roof overhang

When the danger of nocturnal frosts has passed by mid-May, the plant can stay outdoors continuously.

Substrate

Only high -quality potting soil is suitable for the floral jewel . Reach special potted plant soil for Mediterranean flowering plants in specialist shops, enriched with expanded clay or lava granules for an airy consistency. A slightly acidic to neutral pH value around 6.0 is important . Premium quality products are characterized by the fact that they have little or no peat . Instead, peat substitutes such as coconut fiber are used.

Tip : If you as a hobby gardener attach importance to self-mixed potting soil, use this recipe: 2 parts bog soil, 1 part leaf compost, 1 part lava granulate, 1 part perlite respiratory flakes.

pour

At this point in the care program you will feel the slightly tyrannical disposition of a bridal myrtle when everything does not go as planned. Too dry substrate is acknowledged with the shedding of flowers and leaves , as well as too wet soil. If too much moisture accumulates in the substrate, root fungi grow in no time at all , which clog the ducts and significantly impair the supply of water. Therefore, pay attention to the following information about correct watering:

• Keep the substrate slightly moist
• The surface may only dry out a little
• Let the irrigation water run slowly onto the root disc until the first drops run out of the opening in the bottom

Since a Myrtus communis does not tolerate lime , it only accepts collected, filtered rainwater or decalcified tap water.

Tip : No time to decalcify hard tap water to care for a bridal myrtle? Just add a splash of vinegar to the water, it will reduce the high calcium content in no time.

Fertilize

At least in this respect, the bridal myrtle is uncomplicated. If you add a liquid fertilizer for flowering trees to the irrigation water every 14 days from April to October , the nutrient requirements are covered. Please note that fertilizers must not be applied to dry soil, as the salts contained could damage the roots. You should therefore first give the soil a sip of clear water and only then add the liquid fertilizer. Then pour in a little more clear, soft water.

To cut

In terms of pruning, the pretty flowering wood demonstrates Mediterranean serenity . The bridal myrtle is set so easy to cut that it is often used for topiary for creative figures and ornaments. The plant will not even take a radical cut, it will also sprout cheerfully from old wood. The splendid variegated Variegata variety, which has proven to be particularly robust and tolerant, is a prime example of this form of use. They encourage dense, bushy growth when you use the scissors a short distance from an outward-facing bud or leaf knot. Meticulous cleanliness of the cutting tool is just as important as a fresh sanding so that the cuts do not fray.

Overwinter

A Myrtus communis can only endure frosty temperatures for a short time. In our latitudes, the ornamental shrub is not winter-proof. If the temperatures fall below 5-10 degrees Celsius in autumn , give away the bucket. This is how you guide the plant through the cold season:

• The winter quarters are light and frost-free at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius
• Water the bush only sparingly
• From October to March no fertilizer administer

Place the plant please not the cuddly warm living room, for a warm winter calls pests on the plan, such as scale insects and spider mites . There is nothing to worry about if the leaves fall off in winter. Just in time for the start of the new season, the common myrtle is sprouting again.

Repot

Ideally, you should repot a young myrtle every year, as long as it is under construction. Adult specimens have completely rooted through the bucket every 2 to 3 years and suffer from a lack of space. At the end of winter, March is a well-chosen date to repot the ornamental shrub. The new planter should be a maximum of 10 cm in diameter and it should definitely have a bottom opening as a water drain. A drainage from potsherds reliably prevents waterlogging. Add a breathable fleece between the substrate and the drainage so that the water-bearing layer does not become muddy. In the end, the repotted bridal myrtle should not be deeper into the ground than before.

importance

The bridal myrtle already played a prominent role in Greek mythology. According to legend, the goddesses of beauty and love, Aphrodite and Venus, adorned themselves with branches of myrtle. To this day, a classic marriage includes the myrtle branch or the bouquet as a symbol of love, purity and virginity. In addition, the leaves have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Valuable ingredients such as essential oils alleviate cold symptoms, acne and wounds. It should not be overlooked that the sap is slightly toxic, so that pharmaceutical and medical applications belong in competent hands.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean bridal myrtle doesn’t think much of genteel restraint. For its lavish blooms, it has clearly defined care requirements and has little understanding for mistakes. If your wishes are met with a fully sunny, warm location, watered regularly and fertilized every 2 weeks, the Myrtus communis will meet all expectations. Then you benefit from the good-natured cut tolerance and months of flowering. If the common myrtle is allowed to regenerate in the light, frost-free winter quarters, the fairytale magic of flowers will repeat itself in the next year.