How to Grow Double Myrtle
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Double Myrtle
Myrtus communis 'Flore Pleno'
shrubDouble Myrtle is an ornamental evergreen shrub prized for its showy double white flowers with numerous petals, dense dark green foliage, and fragrant leaves. It produces blue-black berries following flowering and has been cultivated for centuries in Mediterranean and formal gardens. This is a cultivar of common myrtle that differs primarily in its fully double blooms.
When should you plant Double Myrtle in your zone?
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Example Double Myrtle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Double Myrtle
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Double Myrtle
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8b-11, thrives in warm Mediterranean climates
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Get my Double Myrtle timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksTiny leaves emerge with cotyledons; slow initial growth is typical
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright indirect light; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F)
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops dense branching structure with small, glossy, lanceolate evergreen leaves; no flowers yet
Provide full sun; pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness; establish regular watering routine; fertilize monthly during growing season
Pre-Flowering
2-4 weeksPlant reaches mature size; leaf production slows and flower buds begin to form along branch tips
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, shift to higher phosphorus/potassium ratio to promote flowering; maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant double white flowers (double form has 20+ petals) appear primarily in spring and early summer; flowers are fragrant
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming; maintain regular watering; avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Fruiting & Maturity
8-16 weeksAfter pollination, blue-black berries develop; plant enters slower growth phase in fall/winter
Leave some flowers for berry production; reduce watering; minimal fertilizer needed; allow berries to mature if desired
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with misting; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; prune heavily infested stems
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Scrape off manually; apply dormant oil spray in winter; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Flavoring & Spice
CulinaryMyrtle berries are used as a peppery spice in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Sardinian cooking. Leaves can be dried and used to flavor meat dishes, game, and beverages. [source]
Fragrance & Perfumery
HouseholdThe leaves and flowers are highly aromatic, releasing a sweet, warm fragrance when brushed. Dried leaves can be used in potpourri, sachets, and traditional perfumery. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalMyrtle has been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support and as an astringent. Leaf tea and essential oil preparations are used in Mediterranean folk medicine. [source]
Garden Decoration
OrnamentalThe double white flowers and dense evergreen foliage make it excellent for formal gardens, hedges, topiaries, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. The plant is easily shaped and responds well to pruning. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile double flowers are less visited than single forms due to reduced nectar accessibility, the plant still attracts bees and butterflies. Berries provide food for birds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems in early morning for longest vase life (10-14 days); pick berries in late fall when fully blue-black for culinary or ornamental use; harvest foliage year-round for fragrant dried arrangements
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Double Myrtle has been cultivated since ancient times and was sacred to Venus in Roman mythology, often used in wedding garlands and bridal wreaths.
- 🌱 The 'Flore Pleno' cultivar is a mutation that transforms the single five-petaled flower into a full double bloom with up to 30+ petals, making it sterile and incapable of producing fruit.
- 🌱 Myrtle essential oil has been documented in use for over 2,000 years and is still produced commercially, particularly in Corsica and Sardinia.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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