Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Myrtle Trees: Your Complete Guide to Successful Myrtle Tree Growing
Myrtle trees, known for their rich history and myriad benefits, have captivated the hearts of many gardeners, landscapers, and tree enthusiasts. These perennial trees, hailing from the Myrtus genus, are truly a visual delight, adorned with their verdant leaves, aromatic blossoms, and brightly-colored berries. They are not only visually appealing but also offer an array of benefits, from medicinal properties to culinary uses.
The Myrtus spp.: An Overview
The Myrtus spp., commonly known as myrtle, comprises several species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Trees that are native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia belong to the Myrtaceae family. They are widely appreciated for their beauty and resilience, being both drought-tolerant and coastal plants. The Myrtaceae family, including well-known species like eucalyptus, guava, and clove, is significantly defined by the Myrtus genus.
The Beauty of Myrtle Trees: Ornamental Landscape Tree
With their dense, dark green leaves, beautifully textured bark, and clusters of fragrant flowers, myrtle trees are a captivating sight. The ornamental trees are versatile, adaptable, and bring year-round beauty to any landscape. They are a favorite choice for topiaries and hedge plants. The aromatic leaves, tiny white flowers, and purplish-black myrtle berries add a unique charm and elegance to these trees.
The Benefits of Myrtle Trees: Medicinal Properties and More
Not just a pretty sight, myrtle trees also offer a wealth of benefits. For centuries, the leaves, flowers, and berries of these evergreen trees have been harnessed for their healing attributes. They are recognized for their antiseptic, astringent, and decongestant capabilities. Extracted from the plant, Myrtle essential oil is utilized in both aromatherapy and skincare practices. The berries are edible and have been used in traditional cuisine and in making robust, flavorsome wine.
Myrtle Tree Varieties: Common Myrtle, Chilean Myrtle, Creeping Myrtle, Lemon Myrtle, Crape Myrtle, Wax Myrtle, New Zealand Christmas Tree
There are a variety of myrtle trees, each with unique features and benefits. The Common Myrtle, native to the Mediterranean, is known for its fragrant white flowers and dark green foliage. The Chilean Myrtle has a beautiful cinnamon-like bark and produces edible berries. The Creeping Myrtle, also known as Vinca or Periwinkle, is a ground cover plant with beautiful blue-violet flowers. Lemon Myrtle, native to Australia, is renowned for its citrus-scented leaves, while the Crape Myrtle is loved for its vibrant, long-lasting summer blooms. The Wax Myrtle is a popular choice for hedging, and the New Zealand Christmas Tree, also known as the Pohutukawa, is famed for its stunning crimson flowers.
Common Myrtle
Common Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis, is an alluring evergreen shrub that is widely cultivated for its aesthetic and aromatic qualities. This plant boasts glossy, dark green leaves that create a beautiful contrast with its charming, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. The flowers are typically in full bloom during the mid-summer, creating a captivating display that adds visual interest to any landscape. Originating from the Mediterranean region, the common myrtle has gradually evolved to flourish in a diverse spectrum of weather conditions. Its resilience is remarkable, with the ability to grow up to an impressive height of 5 meters, becoming a striking feature in gardens and parks.
Historically, the common myrtle's significance extended beyond its ornamental role, deeply entwining with cultural symbolism and tradition. The ancient Greeks, in particular, associated this plant with love and immortality, often incorporating it into bridal bouquets and ceremonial wreaths as a symbol of everlasting affection. In the lore of Roman mythology, the common myrtle was linked with Venus, the deity of love, signifying concepts of beauty, love, and purification. Today, this symbolism continues in some cultures, and the plant's sweetly scented flowers are still cherished in wedding ceremonies. Beyond its symbolic importance, the common myrtle has also found uses in herbal medicine and culinary practices, further underscoring its timeless appeal and versatility.
Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle, also referred to as Southern Bayberry, is a small to medium-sized tree that is indigenous to North America. It stands out due to its unique grayish-white berries, which are not just visually appealing but also serve a practical purpose. When these berries are boiled, they yield a fragrant, waxy substance that was traditionally used to make candles and soaps by early settlers, giving this plant its evocative name. The leaves are typically lance-shaped or elliptic, with a fragrant, spicy aroma when crushed. The admirable resilience of this tree, capable of withstanding diverse environmental conditions, has endeared it to landscapers and gardeners alike.
The Wax Myrtle is notable for its versatility, prospering in an array of soil types, ranging from sandy and well-drained to those that are wet and poorly drained. Its hardy nature enables it to tolerate dry spells and even mildly saline conditions, making it a suitable choice for coastal landscaping. While it prefers full sunlight, it can also tolerate partial shade. It's an excellent choice for erosion control due to its dense root system, and its lush foliage provides valuable habitat and food source for wildlife, including a variety of birds that feast on its waxy berries. The Wax Myrtle's combination of versatility, durability, and ecological importance makes it a vital species in the conservation and enhancement of natural habitats.
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle, or Lagerstroemia indica, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms that provide a brilliant display throughout the summer. Its flowers, varying in colors from white to pink and from red to lavender, are unique in their texture, with crinkled petals that resemble crepe paper, hence the common name. Emerging from the temperate areas of China and Korea, this tree has found extensive cultivation across the United States, thanks to its adaptability to a variety of climates. It particularly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. Its tolerance to drought and heat, coupled with its vibrant, summer-long bloom, has made it a favorite choice for urban and suburban landscapes.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Crape Myrtle, beyond its stunning floral display, is its bark. The tree has a unique, exfoliating bark that peels away, particularly in the winter months, to reveal a smooth, multicolored trunk underneath. This trunk varies in shades from gray to pink and cinnamon brown, adding significant aesthetic appeal even during the dormant season. This feature gives the tree year-round interest and makes it a popular choice for home gardeners and landscape architects alike. The visual charm of the Crape Myrtle, along with its adaptability and resilience, make it a prized component in many gardens, providing shade, color, and a dynamic visual element.
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon Myrtle, or Backhousia citriodora, is a vibrant flowering plant native to the subtropical rainforests of Australia. This aromatic tree is renowned for its lanceolate leaves, which when crushed, release a delightful and potent lemon scent, stronger than that of a lemon fruit itself. The leaves are bright green and glossy, offering a lush, vibrant display that contrasts beautifully with its clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in the summer. Due to its attractive features and the pleasant aroma it emits, Lemon Myrtle makes for a popular ornamental plant in gardens, providing sensory appeal on multiple levels.
The Lemon Myrtle isn't just a feast for the eyes and nose, it has wide-ranging uses that extend to culinary, medicinal, and pest control applications. The leaves of this tree, which carry a potent lemon aroma, are employed in a diverse range of food and drink recipes, from teas and syrups to sauces and spice mixes, providing a distinctive citrusy twist. Its intense fragrance also gives it prominence in the essential oils sector. It's used in aromatherapy and various cosmetic products due to its calming effects and antimicrobial qualities. Moreover, the plant's strong lemon scent is known to repel certain pests, making it a natural and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pest control methods. In short, the Lemon Myrtle is not just a beautiful and fragrant plant, but its array of uses make it an essential part of the ecosystem and a valuable resource in various industries.
Red Myrtle
Red Myrtle, a variety of the common myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis 'Tarentina', is an evergreen shrub that features a distinct compact, upright habit. It is noted for its narrow, glossy, dark-green leaves which are carried on vibrant red stems, adding an extra level of visual interest to the plant. This species presents a pleasing contrast in colors that is particularly striking during the winter months when the red stems stand out against the backdrop of the dark green leaves. Being relatively small and compact, Red Myrtle is ideal for smaller gardens or container growth, and its unique characteristics make it an attractive option for hedging or as a stand-alone specimen in a landscape.
Like its relative, the common myrtle, the Red Myrtle is also a fragrant plant, producing beautiful, star-shaped white flowers that release a delightful aroma when in bloom, typically in late summer. These flowers give way to purplish-black berries in autumn, providing an additional element of visual interest and also attracting a variety of bird species. The contrast between the glossy leaves, vibrant red stems, white flowers, and dark berries creates a dynamic display of colors throughout the year. Additionally, Red Myrtle shares the same hardiness and adaptability of the common myrtle, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for a variety of garden settings. Despite its exotic appearance, it is quite hardy and can adapt to various climatic conditions, further enhancing its appeal as a garden plant.
Bog Myrtle
Bog Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrica gale, is a deciduous shrub that naturally thrives in the damp, acidic soils of peat bogs, wet forests, and coastal areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a small to medium-sized shrub with a bushy growth habit and branches covered in a dense layer of aromatic leaves. These leaves, when crushed, exude a sweet, balsamic aroma that fills the air with a uniquely calming fragrance. It's known for its resilience in challenging environments and its ability to tolerate saturated soils makes it an excellent choice for waterlogged landscapes and bog gardens. During spring and early summer, it bears small, yellow-green flowers, which are followed by tiny, round fruits that are a food source for various bird species.
Historically, Bog Myrtle has held a significant place in traditional medicine. This plant has been utilized for treating a range of health conditions, including skin disorders and digestive problems . Its leaves and flowering tops were often used to brew medicinal teas or infused in oils and applied topically. The plant has also had a role in the brewing industry, where it was employed as a beer flavoring agent prior to the prevalent use of hops. Beyond its medical and culinary uses, Bog Myrtle is also renowned for its insect-repelling properties. The sweet aroma, which humans find pleasing, is often less appreciated by insects, making it a natural deterrent. This multifaceted shrub, with its
Blue Myrtle
Blue Myrtle, interestingly, is not an actual myrtle despite its common name, but a member of the Eucalyptus family. Its scientific designation is Eucalyptus kruseana and it's particularly recognized for its silvery-blue leaves, lending it a unique aesthetic in any garden setting. The plant's leaves are small, round, and possess a waxy layer, contributing to its overall silver-blue color. During its bloom period, typically in winter and spring, this plant showcases clusters of vivid yellow blossoms, offering a remarkable contrast against its blue-hued foliage. These flowers, resembling small, fluffy balls, add a burst of color and enhance the plant's ornamental appeal.
The Myrtaceae Family and Its Significance
The Myrtaceae family, where myrtle trees find their taxonomic classification, stands out for its extensive variety of plants, each having distinct attributes and applications. This group encompasses more than 5,500 species, ranging from myrtle to guava, eucalyptus, and even clove. Known for their scented leaves, aromatic blossoms, and flavorful fruits, plants from this family hold prominent roles in both culinary and medicinal uses.
Myrtle Trees in Landscaping: Hedge Plants and Topiaries
Myrtle trees are a popular choice in landscaping for their versatility and aesthetic appeal. They make excellent hedge plants due to their dense, evergreen foliage that offers year-round privacy. Their ability to be shaped makes them ideal for topiary, allowing creative expressions in gardens and landscapes. The rich green leaves, fragrant flowers, and berries add to their charm, making them a preferred choice for landscape trees.
Cultivating Myrtle Trees: Planting and Care Guide
Growing myrtle trees is a rewarding experience. They are hardy and adaptable, making myrtle cultivation an achievable endeavor even for beginner gardeners. Myrtle trees prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. They are drought-tolerant trees, though they do appreciate regular watering during dry periods. Pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages lush growth.
Drought-Tolerant and Coastal Features of Myrtle Trees
Myrtle trees are renowned for their resilience. These trees are proficient in withstanding dry conditions, flourishing even in parched environments, thereby making them an optimal selection for gardens designed to conserve water. Additionally, they are coastal plants, capable of withstanding salt spray and sandy soils. This makes them a great addition to seaside landscapes.
Myrtle Berries, Flowers, and Essential Oil: Uses and Benefits
Myrtle berries, flowers, and essential oil have numerous uses and benefits. The berries are edible and used in culinary applications, while the flowers are used in traditional medicine. Essential oil from myrtle, extracted from its leaves and stems, finds applications in aromatherapy owing to its soothing impact, and in skincare due to its skin-tightening abilities.
Myrtle Wood: Properties and Uses
Myrtle wood is known for its fine grain and beautiful color variation, making it a sought-after material for furniture and woodcrafts. Like black locust and cedar, it's durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for outdoor use. The wood also has a warm, pleasant scent that adds to its appeal.
Myrtle Symbolism and Folklore
Myrtle trees hold a significant place in various cultures and religions. They symbolize love, peace, and fertility in many ancient traditions. In the lore of Greek mythology, the myrtle tree held a connection with Aphrodite, the divine entity of love. In Jewish tradition, myrtle branches are used during the festival of Sukkot.
Making Myrtle Wreaths: A Tradition
Making myrtle wreaths is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. Wreaths crafted from the flexible boughs of the myrtle tree represent emblems of triumph, harmony, and affluence. They were used in ancient Greece to crown the winners of athletic contests and are still used today in wedding ceremonies.
Why You Should Consider Growing Myrtle Trees
Myrtle trees are a beautiful, beneficial, and resilient addition to any garden or landscape. Their ornamental appeal, medicinal properties, and culinary uses make them a plant of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a new hedge plant, a topiary specimen, or simply a beautiful tree for your garden, consider the myrtle tree. Its beauty, benefits, and resilience make it a truly comprehensive package.
Article posted, Sept 19