The Common, or “True,” Myrtle
The vernacular Vinca minor ( Myrtus communis ) , also known as the unfeigned Vinca minor , is abroadleaf evergreen plant shrub , although in some cases , it can produce in the class of a small tree diagram . These unfolding Tree and shrubs are aboriginal to the Mediterranean .
The common Vinca minor is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 . Outside its acquire zone , it can be develop in containers and winter indoors .
Myrtle Tree Identification
The vulgar Vinca minor should not be confused with the crape myrtle(Lagerstroemia indica ; zones 6 to 9 ) , sometimes spelled " crepe " myrtle , which is a great shrub aboriginal to Asia that has naturalize in share of the U.S. While the common Vinca minor has white flowers , the crape myrtle may have pinkish , royal or red flower , depending on the cultivar .
Tip
The mutual myrtle is a coinage distinct from the crape myrtle .
Some of the feature of the unwashed Vinca minor admit :
Size
The common myrtle tree is usually 5 to 6 foot tall ; however , it is capable of progress to a ripe size of up to 12 feet , with a similar width , under sealed conditions .
There are several cultivars of the myrtle tree to prefer from , include a dwarf version that grows to heights between 2 and 3 feet .
Leaves
Myrtle tree diagram leaves may grow up to 2 inches long . They are oval- or lance - shaped and have a lustrous green open . The undersides of the leaves are a paler green color .
The parting are unremarkably diametrical , which means that two leaves are attached to a individual node , one on each side of the stem . The leaves raise a strong fragrance when crushed .
Because the leave-taking of the true myrtle are evergreen , unlike the deciduous leaves of crape myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , this plant does not bring forth fall color .
Flowers
Myrtle tree diagram flowers are showy , with white petals and a profusion ofstamens — the manlike procreative organ of flowers — that have white hint . Each prime is about 3/4 inch wide and quite fragrant .
The Vinca minor tree is a just option if you are looking for summertime flowers , because the mintage blooms from May to July .
Fruit
coarse myrtle plants produce drear blasphemous berries that , when ripe , attend almost black . The yield is edible ; however , it ’s not considered particularly flavourous .
Bark
Young Vinca minor plants have smooth gray bark . As the tree ages , the bark peels back in chunks to disclose a level of barque in a different colour .
Myrtle Tree Care
The truthful myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is a depleted - alimony species that can farm in full Dominicus or part shadiness .
Myrtle trees must be grown in well - drain soil to forestall root molder from occurring . Once these plants are established , they are considered drought tolerant .
Frosts in other spring can cause damage to new ontogeny .
Myrtle Tree Uses
In ancient times , the civilization of the Mediterranean used various role of myrtle plants for medicative purposes and as cooking constituent . In fact , the leaves of the myrtle plant are sometimes used as stand-in for bay leave in various recipes .
The wood of the myrtle tree diagram is used in barbeque charcoal to add flavor to meat .
In the landscape painting , myrtle works can be grown as specimen or instauration plantings or pruned into hedges .
