Myrtus communis (True Myrtle)

Beloved of the gods, the ancient Greeks and Queen Victoria, who carried a sprig on her wedding bouquet signifying love. An evergreen shrub reaching 2 metres over 10 years. Beautiful fragrant white flowers, aromatic leaves and purple black berries.

Happy on any soil that is moist but well drained. Avoid cold winds so best in a south or west facing sheltered position.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.