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What is this plant???

nicklittle1nicklittle1 Posts: 6
in Problem solving
This Bush was being grown as a small (30-50cm high) border hedge, sort of box hedge style, in South Africa. The picture shows the flower and you can see the leaves are small and glossy green with a red tinge to the new growth. Any idea what it is and if it will grow in U.K.?? Thanks! 

Posts

  • nicklittle1nicklittle1 Posts: 6

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Hi and welcome to the forum. 
    To add a photo, click on the icon which looks like a postcard of a mountain, and follow instructions. ( you may have to resize it if the file is too big )
    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think that's Myrtus communis ... Common myrtle 
    https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/myrtus-communis/classid.4117/  beautifully scented. 

    It's traditional in the UK to have a sprig of myrtle in a wedding bouquet.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited March 2020
    Agree, I have myrtus communis subsp. tarentina (smaller leaves, less hardy) growing by the front door in a raised bed and flowering now.  :)
    Myrtle needs a bit of shelter in the uk - mine grows against a south-facing brick wall.  I don't think it would do well in an open windy area, but would probably be ok in a south or west facing border with full sun if sheltered by other shrubs nearby, especially other evergreens. 
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • nicklittle1nicklittle1 Posts: 6
    Thank you. That’s three people now saying Myrtus Communis from the picture so I think that’s agreed!! Thanks for your help. 
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I grew that when I lived in south africa, the birds loved the berries. I'm trying to source one in Belgium. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    @Bijdezee - it is listed by Promesse des Fleurs who are near Lille so not that far if you fancy a day out - https://www.promessedefleurs.com/arbustes/arbustes-par-variete/myrte/myrtus-communis-subsp-tarentina-myrte-commun.html 

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    Thanks @Obelixx,  I'm told that Floralux should have them in May, so I'll try that first as it's nearer. 
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