Myrtus communis compacta(dwarf myrtle) is a beautiful houseplant that adds elegance to the home.
Grown in a topiary form, this plant requires a little extra maintenance as it needs to be trimmed periodically to keep its shape, but it is well worth the effort. It is a gorgeous plant that would make the perfect gift for any plant lover.
A topiary is a plant that is pruned to form a certain shape. The myrtus communis available at the garden centre looks like a little tree. There is a round sphere of green foliage that sits on top of a leafless 15- to 20-centimetre stem. The green leaves are small and shiny, and are aromatic when crushed.
Myrtus communis needs to be cared for properly for it to survive and do well. Place it in an area of the home where it will receive lots of sunlight. South- or west-facing would be the best choice. For even growth, rotate the plant every few days so that each side will get the same amount of sunlight.
Keep the plant away from heat sources as this can harm the plant. Moisture is important. Do not let it go too dry - keep it slightly moist, and not too wet.
During the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing it should be fertilized every four weeks with an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer. Over the winter months when the plant's growth slows down it will only need to be fertilized every eight to 10 weeks.
What makes this plant different from most other houseplants is the maintenance.
To keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and holding its shape, it will need to be trimmed regularly. Do not shear or cut the leaves. Use a small pair of pruners or small pruning scissors, and clip each shoot, just above a set of leaves. Where the shoot has been snipped, two new shoots will branch out, creating a fuller-looking plant. Routine snipping will create a full, nicely-shaped round form. The plant will need to be trimmed more often in the spring and summer months as this is when it is growing quickly.
Trimming the plant can be relaxing. If it is not trimmed on a regular basis it can become shaggy looking. If it does loose its shape, it is not too hard to bring it back into shape. Trim the shoots a little closer to the centre and the plant will shoot out new growth.
Myrtus communis compacta does not get too large, as it is always being trimmed. I have seen some that are seven to eight years old and they stand 50 to 60 cm tall and the topiary top is equally large. Only transplant it, when it becomes root-bound, and do it in the spring.
