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Myrtus Communis 'compacta'?
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Posted by hosenemesis SoCal Sunset 19 USDA (My Page) on Fri, Nov 20, 09 at 15:31
| Does anyone grow this? I have a regular common myrtle which I just love, but it has gotten so huge that I have to trim it, and it looks like a giant green egg now. A very nice giant green egg, but nonetheless, I would prefer to let the plant grow naturally.
The label on the dwarf variety says two feet tall at maturity. Dave's Garden says three feet tall at maturity. My experience is that if it says two feet it means two feet in Minnesota, not in California.
Any ideas, and how do you like this plant?
Renee |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Myrtus Communis 'compacta'?
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| Let the Myrtus communis grow naturally. It makes an OUTSTANDING low-branching, multi-trunked small tree. Gorgeous structure, wonderfully textured branches. The Myrtus communis 'Compacta' here gets at least 5 feet high. And I don't think it has the character of the species. Joe |
RE: Myrtus Communis 'compacta'?
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- Posted by bahia SF Bay Area (My Page) on
Fri, Nov 20, 09 at 17:16
| I'd agree with Joe that even the compacta form will get at least 4 foot tall by across with time, but is a lot slower to get there. I also agree that the regular form makes a great small tree if you have the room for it to be limbed up and made into a tree rather than a shrub. I remember living on a property in San Luis Obispo while I was going to school there, where there was a Myrtus communis that was a tree, about 18 feet tall, and gorgeous. |
RE: Myrtus Communis 'compacta'?
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| Oh, thanks guys. That height is just perfect for the green hedge I want behind the roses. The Giant Green Egg will have to remain as-is, since it sits just beneath a small tree already, and its purpose is to block a view. However, I have a spot that is screaming for a small tree, and I have resisted planting one because crape myrtle was all I could think of. Your suggestions about turning the common myrtle into a tree are much appreciated- I like the common myrtle so much better, and it would be perfect for the spot.
Renee |
RE: Myrtus Communis 'compacta'?
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- Posted by hoovb z9 Southern CA (My Page) on
Mon, Nov 23, 09 at 21:28
| Lovely plant, and does well with almost no water at all. Has a wonderful aromatic fragrance, too. |
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