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Myrtus communis

madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
in Plants
I have been given a Myrtus communis (Myrtle) in a 1L pot to put in the garden.
How easy is it to keep at  about 3ft (high & wide) and no more than around 4ft.
Obviously would need pruning but is this a feasible size to keep it do you think?
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    @madpenguin, Mine hasn't grown much more than that in 10 years and it's easy to keep pruned to a suitable width. They are very slow growing.
    Unfortunately I think mine has now died after the drought last year and the recent cold temps. I really liked it so am quite sad.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    Thanks Lizzie27
    I think I have the right place for it as long as I can keep it in check.
    My Mum's is about 8ft tall and 6ft wide and we have to hack great chunks off it but it always comes back.It probably got that way because she never really pruned it as it was 'growing up'.
    Sorry to hear you may have lost yours but I would check around for new shoots as I have had things come back from the dead before!!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    It just shows the difference in climate throughout the UK? No point growing it here just too cold. How wonderful it must to have the problem of cutting one back. They are lovely I have plant envy.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    It has been a strange winter.
    The Isle of Wight has a pretty warm climate but I lost a few things this time that have survived what I would consider bad conditions.
    The plant I regret losing most is my lovely pink Nerium oleander which even in a pot in an exposed position managed to survive 'The Beast from the East'.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Down here in Cornwall myrtle trees grow to 20/30ft tall and look stunning when in flower. They seem to lie damp soil and shade. I have 2 waiting to go out in my garden which is not ideal soil or location but I have to give them a try. Delicious perfume. My daughter has one in her garden which is around 15ft tall.
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