Myrtus communis (common names: Common myrtle)

evergreen shrub originates woodland margins in the mediterranean region, n.Africa, s.America and Falkland Islands.
aromatic leaves, bowl-shaped fragrant white flowers spring-autumn, full sun - frost hardy but needs some shelter from cold winds, berries black/purple

Has lovely white fluffy flowers.

Planted Autumn 2007

Planted 08.08 in Salamander pot, Vistabile
Bought 08.08 at Towersey Village Festival for £2

From mid- to late summer the branches of this upright, bushy, evergreen shrub are festooned with fragrant, white flowers, followed by purple-black berries. An excellent plant for a mixed or shrub border or for growing against a warm, sunny wall. Its glossy, dark-green edged golf-cream leaves and flowers give off a fragrant aroma when crushed. This plant will really brighten up a dull spot, particularly through winter.

Position: full sun
Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to August
Flower colour: white
Other features: cream edged foliage makes for a beight display all year roundHardiness: frost hardy
Garden care : Protect from cold, drying winds. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring. Remove any unwanted growth in late spring

It was already a large shrub planted by my kitchen door when I moved in, year 2000. Since then it's grown and grown - about 11ft probably now - and stupidly, the garden security light is right above it, meaning it doesn't switch on if you're behind the shrub. It's also blocking daylight from both the kitchen and living room at that height. The previous owner of the house didn't think things through in terms of the plant's position, but I guess it was slow growing for years.

I've done some fairly drastic renovation pruning on it this year, cutting back by 2/3 (should have been half really) to about 4ft high. It is putting on new leaves lower down so I'll have to cross my fingers that it does OK. I will do the rest next year if it's doing fine as it currently looks pretty odd half chopped back. I had to do something as it simply didn't fit the space at that size and it was either that or replace it.

The berries can be used to make the Sardinian liqueur 'Mirto' and the flowers attract bees.