Myrtus communis

Myrtle is a Mediterranean plant, and needs a long, hot Summer to flower and bear fruit. In the right conditions, it will flower in Summer, and the purple-black fruit will follow in Autumn

Myrtle is a Mediterranean plant, and as such needs plenty of sun. In cooler climates plant myrtle in the shelter of a wall, for some protection. The soil needs to be free-draining.

Take semi- ripe cuttings from this season's growth in Autumn. Cut neatly, just below a leaf node, a 5" approx. piece of a healthy shoot that has soft growth at the tip. pinch out the growing tip, and cut off the bottom leaves. Dip the bottom of the cutting in hormone rooting powder, and carefully place in a pot of cutting compost with the leaves just above the level of the compost. Water, label, cover with a polythene bag, and place in a warm, bright place, out of direct sunlight. Take the polythene bag off periodically for a while for ventilation (at least twice a week)