Dwarf Myrtle

The Dwarf Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’, is a classic and highly prized evergreen shrub, celebrated for its dense, fine-textured foliage and aromatic qualities. This compact cultivar is a selection of the Common Myrtle, which is native to the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It thrives in climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, adapting to a range of well-drained soils and preferring full sun to partial shade. In the landscape of Phoenix, Arizona, it is a very popular and resilient choice, performing exceptionally well in the heat and sun. As a long-lived perennial, the Dwarf Myrtle can persist for many decades, often 20-40 years or more, forming a well-established and attractive presence.

Its most distinctive characteristics include its exceptionally dense and compact growth habit, typically forming a neat, rounded mound that rarely exceeds 3-4 feet in height and width. The small, oval, glossy, dark green leaves are highly aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant, spicy fragrance. The fine texture of its foliage gives it a formal and refined appearance, making it an excellent alternative to traditional boxwood in warmer climates. In late spring to early summer, mature Dwarf Myrtle plants produce numerous small, fluffy, white flowers with prominent stamens, which are subtly fragrant and attractive to bees. These are followed by small, dark blue to black berries, which are also aromatic and can be attractive to birds, though not commonly consumed by humans. Its slow growth rate, natural compact form (requiring minimal pruning to maintain shape), excellent drought tolerance once established, and resilience to heat make the Dwarf Myrtle an outstanding choice for low hedges, formal borders, foundation plantings, containers, and as a neat accent in xeriscapes, Mediterranean-style gardens, and traditional landscapes. It is particularly well-suited to the climate of Phoenix, Arizona, offering year-round green beauty and a delightful fragrance.