Myrtus communis - Plant

Planting and care

For the best results, plant myrtle outdoors in late spring in a well-drained, sheltered position. This gives it the best chance of establishing lots of root before winter weather sets in.
You can also grow myrtle in a container in soil-based compost. Water and feed with a potash-rich tomato food during the growing season.
The potash will encourage more flower and also harden the wood. Ease off watering from late August onwards, and then dry off almost completely before over-wintering the container. The shelter of a warm wall under the eaves of the house is a perfect place.

Caring for Myrtus communis

Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to create a bear stem. This reduces the water usage of the cutting. Pour a little powdered rooting hormone into a small container. Don t contaminate the large bottle of hormone by dipping the cutting directly into the original bottle. Dip the cut end into the powder, shaking the excess off the stem.

Typical uses of Myrtus communis

Special features: It is typically found in Maquis shrubland together with other low-growing shrubs which have been developed after the clearing of the primary woods of the Mediterranean in the lower mountain environments.

Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose.

Medicinal use: Unverified information Myrtle occupies a prominent place in the writings of Hippocrates, Pliny, Dioscorides, Galen, and the Arabian writers. In numerous Mediterranean countries, the extract of the myrtle herb is used to make the hair grow longer in a short period of time.

References

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3346354/Myrtle-How-to-grow.html http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagation-myrtus-communis-cuttings-21565.html http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282870&isprofile=0&pt=2