Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’

dwarf myrtle
Rounded foundational shrub has dense, aromatic leaves. Small white summer flowers are also sweetly scented. Selectively prune into a bonsai look or sheer into an easily maintained formal hedge.
height 2–3ft
width 2–3ft
tolerates Cold, Pots, Wind
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every week or two in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it does not run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Mediterranean
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This cultivar is a dwarfed form, which means it stays smaller with less effort to prune, but also that it is more slow growing than the typical form.
Naturally grows into a pleasing rounded shape, but can also be sheered to make an even more dense, uniform shape.
Summer blooms are followed by small blue black berries.

Special Interest

Edible flowers can be added to salads. Berries are edible, but not particularly tasty. Dried leaves are also used to flavor dishes in the same way as you would use sweet bay.