When and How Do You Plant Myrtle Flowers? (Essential Tips)

Common myrtle shrubs make fantastic additions to almost any garden, especially smaller plots. Myrtle flowers are small and white, produce a sweet, fresh scent, and bloom from summer until fall. This article will explain when and how to plant myrtle flowers.

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What Conditions Do Myrtle Flowers Need?

Common myrtle plants (Myrtus communis) are native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Myrtle shrubs also grow in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. As such, myrtles require warm temperatures and mild winters.

Myrtle shrubs thrive in USDA Zones 8 to 10 because these areas have a similar climate to the Mediterranean. Myrtle shrubs are relatively drought-tolerant and cold-hardy despite their preference for warm climates. Myrtles can survive winter temperatures as low as 10ºF.

When Do You Plant Myrtle Flowers?

Fall and early spring are the ideal times to plant myrtle shrubs. Planting a myrtle in the fall gives the plant plenty of time to establish its roots before the spring. Planting a myrtle shrub in the spring allows it to grow before the winter comes. Once you’ve planted a myrtle, water it thoroughly to help it acclimatize.

Where Should You Plant Myrtle Flowers?

Myrtle shrubs need locations that get full sun or partial shade. In mild climates, plant myrtles in areas that receive about six hours of full sun daily. In hotter regions, plant myrtles somewhere that provide partial shade during the afternoon. South or west-facing areas are ideal for myrtles.

Myrtles also need sheltered areas that protect them from cold winds. They require well-draining soils that still hold some moisture. Myrtles prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 6.5. Soils that are too alkaline can damage myrtle shrubs.

Although myrtles are drought-tolerant, these plants prefer to stay moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is too dense, mix in some grit, sand, or organic matter to improve drainage.

How to Plant Myrtle Flowers

Here’s a quick guide detailing how to plant myrtle flowers in your garden:

1. Choose a sheltered area of your garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
2. Check that the soil is well-draining but holds some moisture. Add some grit or sand to the soil to improve drainage if necessary.
3. Dig a hole as deep as your myrtle’s root ball and twice as wide.
4. Position your myrtle in the hole and tease out some of its roots.
5. Make sure that the myrtle is level before filling in around it with soil. Firm the soil down once you’ve filled in the hole.
6. Water your myrtle shrub thoroughly to help it acclimatize to its new location.

How to Care for Myrtle Flowers After Planting

Newly planted myrtles need lots of water and nutrients to help them establish a robust root system. Water your myrtle shrub once weekly for the first two years, ensuring the soil stays fairly moist.

Fertilize your newly planted myrtle once a month during its first growing season. Use liquid fertilizers and dilute them according to the instructions on the packet.

Myrtle shrubs take a couple of years to become fully established. After that, reduce watering to approximately once every 2 to 4 weeks. Fertilize established myrtle plants once every spring using slow-release granules.

As your myrtle grows, prune it to shape it and keep it healthy. The best time to prune myrtles is during the fall after they finish flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the inner stems to improve air circulation.

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Planting Myrtle Flowers FAQs

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Wrapping Up

Myrtles are surprisingly hardy evergreen shrubs that grow best in Zones 8 to 10. They require sheltered locations in full sun or partial shade. Myrtles also need well-draining, slightly acidic soils that hold some moisture. Plant myrtle shrubs in the fall or early spring.

For more, see our in-depth guide to the meaning and symbolism of myrtle flowers.

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