How to Grow Myrtle Family Plants

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Myrtle Family Plants

Myrtaceae (family)

shrub

The Myrtaceae family encompasses over 5,000 species of flowering plants including myrtle, eucalyptus, guava, feijoa, and tea tree. Members range from small herbs to large trees and are prized for aromatic foliage, attractive flowers, edible fruits, and essential oils. Most thrive in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining soil.

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Example Myrtle Family Plants timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Myrtle Family Plants
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Myrtle Family Plants
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Myrtle Family Plants dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; most species prefer 8+ hours

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Water: Moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply but infrequently. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.

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Spacing: 24-48 depending on species (myrtle 24-36; larger species 36-60) inches

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Days to maturity: Varies widely by species; shrubs typically 2-3 years to ornamental maturity, fruit-bearing species 3-5 years

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Planting depth: Transplants: same depth as root ball. Seeds: surface sow or barely cover; need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or sandy soil

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost or aged bark mulch Avoid heavy clay and excessive organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 8-11; tender in cold climates but many species tolerate zone 7 with protection

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Nursery Stage

6-12 weeks until true leaves emerge

Young plants with tender leaves, developing root systems; vulnerable to damping off and overwatering

Maintain high humidity without waterlogging; provide bright indirect light; protect from cold drafts; use well-draining seed-starting mix

Vegetative Growth

6 months to 2 years

Established young shrubs with increasing leaf mass and woody stem development; no flowers present

Water when top inch of soil is dry; fertilize lightly with balanced or slow-release fertilizer; prune to shape if desired; gradually increase sun exposure

Pre-Flowering/Budding

1-3 months before bloom

Plant reaches mature size and begins producing flower buds along stems; foliage becomes denser

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering; maintain consistent watering; do not overprune; ensure 6-8+ hours daily sun; allow cooler winter period

Flowering

2-8 weeks depending on species and conditions

Clusters or individual flowers appear (colors vary: white, pink, red, purple depending on species); highly fragrant in many species

Maintain regular watering; do not fertilize during bloom; deadhead spent flowers if desired to encourage more blooms; enjoy aromatic foliage

Fruiting/Seed Production

4-12 weeks; fruit may persist for months

Flowers transition to fruit development (berries, seed capsules); fruit size and color vary; foliage remains ornamental

For edible species (guava, feijoa): thin fruit for larger specimens; harvest ripe fruit. For ornamental species: leave for wildlife or deadhead. Water consistently

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Santolina Cistus Salvia Germander Thyme Callistemons Grevilleas Native grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering (hydrangeas, ferns) Heavy feeders competing for nutrients (tomatoes in poor soil) Poorly draining areas Cold-sensitive tender annuals (away from frost pockets)

Common Pests

Spray horticultural oil in dormant season; prune heavily infested branches; monitor new growth; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate air circulation; stress from heat/drought increases incidence
Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves; prune for air circulation; apply in early morning or evening
Use yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes tender growth
Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune infested stems; isolate new plants; monitor regularly
Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if severe; ensure well-draining soil

Uses

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Myrtle leaves in Mediterranean cooking

Culinary

Common myrtle leaves are used as a culinary herb in Mediterranean cuisine, added to meat dishes, game, and liqueurs. The leaves have a subtle piney, slightly minty flavor and contain aromatic volatile oils. [source]

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Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Medicinal

Many Myrtaceae members, particularly tea tree, eucalyptus, and myrtle, contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Myrtle has been used traditionally for respiratory and urinary tract health. [source]

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Essential oils and aromatherapy

Household

Eucalyptus and tea tree oil are widely used in household products, cleaning solutions, and aromatherapy. The essential oils have antifungal and deodorizing properties. [source]

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Guava and feijoa edible fruits

Culinary

Tropical Myrtaceae members like guava and feijoa produce nutrient-rich edible fruits high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Fruits can be eaten fresh, used in preserves, or processed into beverages. [source]

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Ornamental foliage and cut flowers

Craft

Eucalyptus, callistemon, and myrtle provide highly valued foliage and flowers for floral arrangements and dried décor. Eucalyptus is a staple in commercial floristry. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Timing varies by species: Myrtle leaves year-round for culinary/medicinal use; Eucalyptus foliage for craft and aromatherapy anytime; Guava fruits when fully mature and fragrant (5-7 months after flowering); Feijoa when fruit falls naturally; Tea tree leaves after plant is 1+ year old. Cut stems for arrangements in morning. For essential oil use, harvest in dry season at peak aromatic content.

Fun Facts

🌱 Over 700 species of Eucalyptus are native exclusively to Australia and are essential to koala habitat and diet; some species can survive wildfires by sprouting new growth from dormant buds beneath the bark.
🌱 Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) became famous during World War II when Australian soldiers used it as an antimicrobial agent; its use in skincare products has exploded since the 1970s.
🌱 Myrtaceae members are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions (Australia, South America, tropical Africa) but many are now cultivated worldwide; the family includes both the commercially important clove tree and allspice, which are important spices.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun

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