Xela's Garden

Myrtle ... variegated [V]

Genus: Myrtus.

Species: Myrtus communis.

Planted 08.08 in Salamander pot, Vistabile
Replaced 02.13 in Salamander pot, Vistabile drive
Bought 08.08 at Towersey Village Festival for £2
02.12 at ? for ?

From mid- to late summer the branches of this upright, bushy, evergreen shrub are festooned with fragrant, white flowers, followed by purple-black berries. An excellent plant for a mixed or shrub border or for growing against a warm, sunny wall. Its glossy, dark-green edged golf-cream leaves and flowers give off a fragrant aroma when crushed. This plant will really brighten up a dull spot, particularly through winter.

Position: full sun
Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to August
Flower colour: white
Other features: cream edged foliage makes for a beight display all year roundHardiness: frost hardy
Garden care : Protect from cold, drying winds. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring. Remove any unwanted growth in late spring

The Myrtus communis dwarf member of the true myrtle group, slow growing with densely-set small leaves. The plants seldom get taller than 12 to 14 inches and they stay quite compact. A sister plant, Myrtus communis 'Compacta Variegata' is a variegated dwarf myrtle, very similar to the one above, but the small leaves are edged with white. Another dwarf myrtle, very popular for low edging material, is Myrtus communis Microphylla. This tiny myrtle has small, over-lapping leaves that are slightly more narrow than 'Compacts.' It is also slightly more spreading in its growth habit.

All three of these dwarf myrtles take to clipping as well as the dwarf English boxwood so they may be used for both formal and informal edging material. Keep in mind that all hedge plants should be clipped so that the top is narrower than the bottom so that the sun will reach all parts of the plant equally.

..... All of the above true myrtles grow well in bright, hot sun but they also will grow quite well in part shade. They will stand some drought but not when the weather is very hot. They want a well drained soil for they do very poorly in moist places. They do not have many problems but may be bothered by thrip if they are in too much shade.

The dwarf myrtles are excellent material to edge formal rose beds, the front of a perennial border, along driveways and walks as well as an edging for patios and other outdoor living areas. They also can be used very effectively in planter boxes or as specimen plants in individual containers.
[Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/myrtus-communis-dwarf-myrtle-plant-3811578.html ]

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