Overview
Myrtus comoolii is a bushy shrubs in the genus Myrtus, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Myrtus comoolii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Myrtus comoolii is a bushy evergreen shrub within the Myrtus genus, known for its fragrant, leathery foliage. It produces individual, bowl-shaped white flowers in spring and summer, which develop into fleshy berries. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a west or south-facing aspect, preferring sheltered locations and fertile, well-drained soil that can be chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens as well as coastal and Mediterranean-style settings, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Myrtus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Myrtus comoolii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Myrtus comoolii
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Myrtus comoolii?
Myrtus comoolii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Myrtus comoolii need?
Myrtus comoolii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Myrtus comoolii hardy in the UK?
Myrtus comoolii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Myrtus comoolii?
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
More in the Myrtus genus
- Myrtus communis 'Cascade'
- Myrtus communis 'Flore Pleno' (d)
- Myrtus communis 'Mingo'PBR
- Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Granada'
- Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Variegata' (v)