Common myrtles produce elegant white flowers that produce a sweet, subtle fragrance. These evergreen shrubs come from the Mediterranean and make excellent ornamental plants and hedges for the garden. In this article, I’ll run through everything you need to know about when the myrtle blooming season is.
About Myrtle Flowers
Common myrtles (Myrtus communis) are native to the Mediterranean and parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The Myrtus genus contains three species, although common myrtles are the main ones found in gardens.
As natives of the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, common myrtles need warm conditions in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Myrtles prefer mild winters but can handle temperatures as low as 10ºF (-12ºC).
When is the Myrtle Flower Blooming Season?
Common myrtles produce small, beautiful white flowers from summer until fall. Common myrtle flowers have five petals and long, elegant stamens. The flowers also give off a delicate, fresh scent similar to the fragrance produced by eucalyptus plants.
The common myrtle blooming season begins in June and can last until October. Unlike the non-related crepe myrtle, common myrtles only produce one flush of flowers every year.
What Do Myrtle Flowers Symbolize?
As well as being attractive, myrtle flowers carry rich meaning and symbolism. Common myrtle flowers are associated with love and devotion. Myrtle flowers also represent beauty and are often used in wedding bouquets.
Like other white flowers, myrtle blooms can symbolize innocence, peace, purity, and rebirth. In the language of flowers, also known as floriography, white myrtle flowers communicate honesty, trust, and lasting love.
How Long Do Myrtle Flowers Last?
Common myrtle flowers last for a few weeks or months and are popular with bees and other pollinators. Once flowering finishes, the blooms give way to bluish-black berries. These berries mature over several months throughout the winter and are popular with birds.
How to Grow Myrtles for Maximum Blooms
Providing the best possible growing conditions helps myrtle shrubs produce their best flowers during the blooming season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Growing Zones
Common myrtles grow best in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Myrtles thrive in Mediterranean conditions with mild winters and warm temperatures in spring and summer. However, myrtles are fairly cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 10ºF. Myrtles can also survive moderate frosts.
Sunlight
Common myrtles need full sun or partial shade to produce their best blooms during the season. Myrtle shrubs require several hours of direct sunlight in the morning in mild climates. In hotter areas, myrtle plants need partial shade to protect them from intense afternoon sunlight.
Soil Conditions
Common myrtle shrubs need well-draining soils that still hold some moisture. Myrtles also require sheltered areas that protect them from cold winds. Although myrtles tolerate most soil types, these plants prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 6.5.
Watering
Water established common myrtles once every couple of weeks. Water more frequently in hot, dry conditions. Myrtles may not need additional water in mild climates if the climate gets regular rainfall. Water newly planted myrtles once a week for the first two years to help them establish a strong root system.
Fertilizing
Fertilize established myrtles once a year in spring. Use slow-release fertilizer granules or diluted liquid fertilizers. Feed newly planted myrtles once a month during their first growing season. This helps the shrub produce strong, healthy growth early on.
Myrtle Flowers in Bloom FAQs:
What Time of Year Does Myrtle Flower?
Common myrtles flower from summer until fall, usually between June and October. Myrtle flowers are popular with pollinators during their blooming season. Myrtle flowers last for several weeks or months before giving way to bluish-black berries.
What Do Myrtle Flowers Smell Like?
Common myrtle flowers produce a delicate fragrance from summer until fall. Myrtle flowers have a fresh, sweet scent similar to Eucalyptus. This makes sense as both myrtles and eucalyptus plants come from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).
Why Does My Myrtle Not Flower?
Myrtle shrubs struggle to flower if they don’t get enough sunlight. Myrtle plants need several hours of full sun every day in Mediterranean climates. Myrtles may not flower if they don’t get enough nutrients, especially if they can’t get enough phosphorus.
The Myrtle Blooming Season: Wrapping Up
Common myrtle shrubs produce lovely, small white flowers from summer until fall. The myrtle blooming season begins as early as June and can last until October. Myrtle flowers last for a few weeks or a couple of months. However, myrtle shrubs only produce one flush of flowers each year.
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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