Common Myrtle is an upright evergreen bushy fragrant shrub that flowers profusely with fragrant white flowers followed by purple-black berries. It is an excellent garden shrub for growing in a shaded warm patch. As a Bonsai its flowers, fruits, glossy leaves and fragrance make plant that has some to offer all year round.
Styles:
Formal upright, Informal Upright, Slanting, Cascade, Semi-cascade, Broom, Rock-over-root, Clasped-to-rock, Group planting, Saikei
Location:
Outdoor
Position:
Grow in light shade to full sun. Protect from cold, drying winds. Leafs turn purple in cold wind exposed areas.
Watering:
The plant is highly drought tolerant. The soil should be allowed to dry in-between waterings.
Feeding:
Use a well-rotted garden compost or manure in early spring. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Leaf and Branch Pruning:
Prune in early spring to keep a desired form. If you are looking for a flower display prune after flowering. Remove any unwanted growth in late spring. Prune back shoots to 2 nodes as soon as it gets to 4-6 nodes long.
Re-potting & Growing Medium:
Every 2 to 3 years in spring. Use 2 parts Loam, 1 part peat, 1 part sharp sand. In stead of peat you can also use well rotted bark and or leaf humus.
Wiring:
Wire bewteen spring and autumn, protecting the bark which is such a strong feature of the tree.