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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1 m-5 m
Spread
:
3 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Period
:
May - August
Smell
:
scented, aroma,
leaf, flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.8 cm - 1 cm
Myrtus is also called the Greek Myrtle; in Arabic, it is known as ass or hinbleiss. The Greek word
‘myron’ means balsam or odorous sap. It is a shrub of Mediterranean origin. The area of distri-
bution reaches from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean basin to southwest Asia. Often
seen in Arriyadh as a hedge, the Myrtle reaches a height between 1 and 5 metres and a spread
of between 3 and 4 metres. The shrub is often multi-branched and round in shape. The foliage is
evergreen; the leaves are dark green, small and lanceolate. The blossom appears in summer and
the beautiful white single flowers have attractive filaments. The flowers have an appealing scent
and even the leaves have a good spicy flavour when they are rubbed. After flowering, the shrub
develops, dark-blue berries. Maintenance with moderate pruning is advisable. The Myrtle is re-
sistant to urban microclimates, and can be used as screen and shelter plant. It is suitable for pe-
destrian precincts, public open space and urban areas, and even for small managed roof gardens
and as a topiary plant. The original distribution in the Mediterranean climate should again be
considered, which means that the Myrtle loves sunny locations, but with sufficient air-humidity
and irrigation. It is vulnerable in the case of desiccation and high salinity. The soil should be
penetrable and rocky, but not limey. Myrtles can be used as specimen trees or dominant plants,
as well as hedges. Myrtles will provide appealing compositions in rock or steppe garden themes.
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Myrtus communis,
Myrtaceae
Greek Myrtle