Widespread myrtles are enticing crops identified for his or her fairly white flowers and aromatic leaves. These evergreen shrubs come from the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and elements of Africa and Asia. On this article, I’ll share seven of my favourite makes use of and advantages of myrtle flowers.
7 Makes use of and Advantages of Widespread Myrtle Flowers
1) Myrtle Flowers Are Edible
Myrtle flowers, leaves, and berries are all edible and have totally different makes use of. Widespread Myrtle flowers (Myrtus communis) and berries are sometimes dried and used as flavorings. The flowers will also be used as salad garnishes throughout the summer season.
Myrtle berries are edible when totally ripe however aren’t candy, to allow them to be unpalatable for some. These berries work finest when used like juniper berries. Myrtle leaves are a spicy, fragrant various to bay leaves and are used to taste stews and soups. The leaves will also be dried and used to make tea.
2) Myrtle Flowers Could Have Medicinal Advantages
Myrtle flowers have been used medicinally since at the least 600 BC. Myrtle crops have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and include excessive quantities of antioxidants and salicylic acid. As such, myrtle crops have lengthy been used to deal with pores and skin issues like zits, sores, and warts.
Myrtle important oil helps deal with respiratory issues like bronchial asthma, colds, and flu. Myrtle tea additionally alleviates these points and has a relaxing impact. This plant additionally comprises many antioxidants and useful compounds that enhance our immune methods and decrease the chance of sure cancers.
3) Myrtle Flowers Have Stunning Which means & Symbolism
Myrtle flowers symbolize love and devotion. As such, myrtle flowers have develop into a conventional selection for wedding ceremony bouquets in Europe. This makes myrtle a wonderful choice so as to add to anniversary bouquets.
Myrtles are additionally linked to the Greek goddesses Aphrodite, the goddess of affection, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and marriage.
Like different white flowers, myrtle flowers may symbolize innocence, purity, and rebirth. In floriography, also referred to as the language of flowers, white flowers talk honesty, belief, and lasting love.
4) Myrtle Flowers Make Glorious Decorative Shrubs
Widespread myrtle shrubs are a incredible addition to any backyard as a consequence of their decorative worth. Myrtles are upright evergreen shrubs that retain curiosity all yr spherical. Small, white myrtle flowers bloom from summer season till fall earlier than giving solution to purplish-black berries throughout the winter.
Most myrtle shrubs are straightforward to handle, even people who develop as small timber. Myrtles develop between 8 and 16 toes excessive and roughly 8 to 10 toes vast. Myrtles will be grown as particular person decorative shrubs or educated as enticing, aromatic hedges.
5) Myrtle Flowers Are Low-Upkeep As soon as Established
Considered one of my favourite advantages of myrtle shrubs is that they’re comparatively low-maintenance as soon as established, though this could take just a few years. Newly planted myrtles want watering as soon as per week for the primary two years. Feed newly planted myrtles as soon as a month throughout their first rising season.
After a few years, most myrtle shrubs will be left to their very own gadgets. Myrtle crops are fairly drought-tolerant and solely want watering each 2 to 4 weeks. Myrtles develop fairly slowly, hardly ever including greater than 12 inches of recent progress per yr.
6) Myrtle Flowers Can Deal with Drought and Chilly
Myrtle shrubs come from Mediterranean climates with heat summers and gentle winters. As such, myrtles develop finest in USDA Zones 8 to 10. A key advantage of myrtle shrubs is that they’re fairly drought-tolerant however might have further water in scorching, dry summers.
Regardless of preferring gentle winters, myrtle shrubs are fairly cold-hardy. Myrtle crops can survive winter temperatures as little as 10ºF (-12ºC). Myrtles also can deal with reasonable frost ranges however will battle if temperatures drop under freezing.
In colder climates, rising myrtles in containers makes it simpler to guard them throughout harsh winters. Potted myrtles will be wrapped in fleece or introduced indoors to maintain them heat.
7) Myrtle Flowers Are Good For Wildlife
Myrtle shrubs additionally present a number of makes use of and advantages to wildlife. The small white single flowers appeal to bees and different pollinators throughout the summer season. The open type of the flowers permits pollinators to land simply to gather nectar and pollen.
Myrtle shrubs and hedges also can present nesting websites for birds. As soon as the flowers fade away within the fall, myrtles produce purplish-black berries. These berries are a significant meals supply for birds throughout the winter when little else is out there.
Widespread Myrtle Flower Makes use of and Advantages: Wrapping Up
Widespread myrtle shrubs have a number of makes use of and advantages. Most elements of those crops are edible and should have medicinal properties. Myrtles are low-maintenance decorative shrubs that additionally present advantages for wildlife.
For extra, see our in-depth information to rising and caring for lemon myrtle and crape myrtle.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener dwelling in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Inventive and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s captivated with nature and sustainability with a give attention to gardening and wildlife.
