Common myrtles are attractive plants known for their pretty white flowers and fragrant leaves. These evergreen shrubs come from the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia. In this article, I’ll share seven of my favorite uses and benefits of myrtle flowers.
- 7 Uses and Benefits of Common Myrtle Flowers
- 1) Myrtle Flowers Are Edible
- 2) Myrtle Flowers May Have Medicinal Benefits
- 3) Myrtle Flowers Have Beautiful Meaning & Symbolism
- 4) Myrtle Flowers Make Excellent Ornamental Shrubs
- 5) Myrtle Flowers Are Low-Maintenance Once Established
- 6) Myrtle Flowers Can Handle Drought and Cold
- 7) Myrtle Flowers Are Good For Wildlife
- Common Myrtle Flower Uses and Benefits: Wrapping Up
7 Uses and Benefits of Common Myrtle Flowers
1) Myrtle Flowers Are Edible
Myrtle flowers, leaves, and berries are all edible and have different uses. Common Myrtle flowers (Myrtus communis) and berries are often dried and used as flavorings. The flowers can also be used as salad garnishes during the summer.
Myrtle berries are edible when fully ripe but aren’t sweet, so they can be unpalatable for some. These berries work best when used like juniper berries. Myrtle leaves are a spicy, aromatic alternative to bay leaves and are used to flavor stews and soups. The leaves can also be dried and used to make tea.
2) Myrtle Flowers May Have Medicinal Benefits
Myrtle flowers have been used medicinally since at least 600 BC. Myrtle plants have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and contain high amounts of antioxidants and salicylic acid. As such, myrtle plants have long been used to treat skin problems like acne, sores, and warts.
Myrtle essential oil helps treat respiratory problems like asthma, colds, and flu. Myrtle tea also alleviates these issues and has a calming effect. This plant also contains many antioxidants and beneficial compounds that boost our immune systems and lower the risk of certain cancers.
3) Myrtle Flowers Have Beautiful Meaning & Symbolism
Myrtle flowers symbolize love and devotion. As such, myrtle flowers have become a traditional choice for wedding bouquets in Europe. This makes myrtle an excellent option to add to anniversary bouquets.
Myrtles are also linked to the Greek goddesses Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and marriage.
Like other white flowers, myrtle flowers may also symbolize innocence, purity, and rebirth. In floriography, also known as the language of flowers, white flowers communicate honesty, trust, and lasting love.
4) Myrtle Flowers Make Excellent Ornamental Shrubs
Common myrtle shrubs are a fantastic addition to any garden due to their ornamental value. Myrtles are upright evergreen shrubs that retain interest all year round. Small, white myrtle flowers bloom from summer until fall before giving way to purplish-black berries during the winter.
Most myrtle shrubs are easy to manage, even those that grow as small trees. Myrtles grow between 8 and 16 feet high and approximately 8 to 10 feet wide. Myrtles can be grown as individual ornamental shrubs or trained as attractive, fragrant hedges.
5) Myrtle Flowers Are Low-Maintenance Once Established
One of my favorite benefits of myrtle shrubs is that they are relatively low-maintenance once established, although this can take a few years. Newly planted myrtles need watering once a week for the first two years. Feed newly planted myrtles once a month during their first growing season.
After a couple of years, most myrtle shrubs can be left to their own devices. Myrtle plants are reasonably drought-tolerant and only need watering every 2 to 4 weeks. Myrtles grow pretty slowly, rarely adding more than 12 inches of new growth per year.
6) Myrtle Flowers Can Handle Drought and Cold
Myrtle shrubs come from Mediterranean climates with warm summers and mild winters. As such, myrtles grow best in USDA Zones 8 to 10. A key benefit of myrtle shrubs is that they are reasonably drought-tolerant but may need extra water in hot, dry summers.
Despite preferring mild winters, myrtle shrubs are quite cold-hardy. Myrtle plants can survive winter temperatures as low as 10ºF (-12ºC). Myrtles can also handle moderate frost levels but will struggle if temperatures drop below freezing.
In colder climates, growing myrtles in containers makes it easier to protect them during harsh winters. Potted myrtles can be wrapped in fleece or brought indoors to keep them warm.
7) Myrtle Flowers Are Good For Wildlife
Myrtle shrubs also provide several uses and benefits to wildlife. The small white single flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the summer. The open form of the flowers allows pollinators to land easily to collect nectar and pollen.
Myrtle shrubs and hedges can also provide nesting sites for birds. Once the flowers fade away in the fall, myrtles produce purplish-black berries. These berries are a vital food source for birds during the winter when little else is available.
Common Myrtle Flower Uses and Benefits: Wrapping Up
Common myrtle shrubs have several uses and benefits. Most parts of these plants are edible and may have medicinal properties. Myrtles are low-maintenance ornamental shrubs that also provide benefits for wildlife.
For more, see our in-depth guide to growing and caring for lemon myrtle and crape myrtle.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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