Frequent myrtles are engaging evergreen shrubs from the Myrtaceae household. Myrtles are well-known for his or her white flowers that carry wealthy which means and symbolism. On this article, I’ll talk about what widespread myrtle flowers appear like and study a few of their different botanical traits.
What Do Myrtle Flowers Look Like?
Frequent Myrtle shrubs (Myrtus communis) produce small single white flowers with a number of lengthy stamens. These stamens have white filaments topped with yellow anthers that protrude up from the flower. Every star-shaped flower has 5 petals, a few of which can show slight hints of pink. Myrtle flowers are an important summer season nectar supply for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Different Botanical Traits of Myrtle Flowers
Myrtles are evergreen shrubs or small bushes from the Myrtus genus within the Myrtaceae household. There are three most important species, of which the widespread myrtle is essentially the most widespread. Myrtle crops develop between 8 and 16 toes excessive and roughly 8 to 10 toes huge.
Frequent myrtle shrubs have easy, lanceolate inexperienced leaves with a robust scent. This candy, recent perfume is much like eucalyptus – one other member of the Myrtaceae household. As soon as the white flowers have completed, myrtle crops produce purplish-black berries in winter.
Myrtle shrubs are slow-growing crops that take 10 to twenty years to achieve full dimension. Myrtle crops develop by roughly 12 inches yearly, in order that they’re straightforward to handle. Frequent myrtles can dwell for many years in the correct situations, with some specimens dwelling for about 150 years.
The place Do Myrtle Flowers Come From?
Myrtle shrubs are native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Myrtles additionally develop in components of Africa, Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. Myrtle crops develop finest in heat climates with delicate winters.
In the US, widespread myrtle shrubs thrive in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Regardless of preferring heat climates, myrtles are surprisingly cold-hardy and may survive winter temperatures as little as 10ºF (-12ºC).
When Are Myrtle Flowers in Season?
Myrtle flowers bloom from summer season till fall. The flowers can seem as early as June, and flowering can final till October. Frequent myrtles rising in hotter climates will flower barely sooner than these rising in colder areas.
Methods to Care For Myrtle Flowers
Daylight
Frequent myrtle shrubs want full solar or partial shade, relying on the local weather. Myrtles require roughly 6 hours of full solar every day in delicate climates. In hotter areas, myrtles want partial shade to guard them throughout scorching afternoons. South or west-facing areas are perfect for myrtle shrubs.
Soil Necessities
Myrtle shrubs require well-draining soils that also maintain some moisture. Myrtle shrubs are drought-tolerant and like to be barely moist quite than waterlogged. Myrtles additionally choose barely acidic soils with pH ranges between 5.0 and 6.5. Myrtles swimsuit most soil varieties aside from chalky, alkaline soils.
Watering
Water myrtle shrubs as soon as each 2 to 4 weeks in the event that they haven’t had rainfall shortly. Water myrtles extra continuously throughout scorching, dry summers. Newly planted myrtle shrubs want watering as soon as weekly for the primary two years till they’re totally established.
Fertilizing
Fertilize established myrtle shrubs every year through the spring. This gives additional vitamins for the brand new rising season, particularly in the event you use slow-release fertilizer granules. Fertilize newly planted myrtles as soon as a month of their first rising season.
Pruning
Myrtles reply nicely to pruning and shaping. The very best time to prune myrtles is in late summer season or fall as soon as the flowers end. Take away any broken or useless branches to maintain your myrtle shrub wholesome.
Myrtle Flower Look FAQs
What’s One other Identify for Myrtle Flowers?
Frequent myrtle flowers are generally referred to as “true myrtles” to separate them from the unrelated crepe myrtle. Frequent myrtle flowers are additionally referred to as Corsican pepper or candy myrtle.
What Does the Myrtle Flower Symbolize?
Myrtle flowers symbolize love and devotion, illustrated by the truth that myrtles are sometimes utilized in wedding ceremony bouquets. Myrtle flowers can also symbolize innocence, purity, and renewal like different white flowers.
What Time of 12 months Does Myrtle Flower?
Frequent myrtles bloom from summer season till fall. The white flowers emerge as early as June and may stay till October. Frequent myrtle shrubs solely produce one flush of flowers annually.
What Do Frequent Myrtle Flowers Look Like: Wrapping Up
Frequent myrtle shrubs have small white single flowers with a number of lengthy stamens. These flowers have 5 petals. Some petals can also have refined hints of pink. Frequent myrtles flower throughout summer season and fall earlier than giving technique to purplish-black berries in winter and early spring.
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 Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s keen about nature and sustainability with a deal with gardening and wildlife.
