Myrtus communis subsp. communis 'Andy's Hardy'
Common name(s): hardy sweet myrtle, hardy wild myrtle
Description: evergreen shrub; 'Andy's Hardy' is a particularly hardy form selected for its reliable performance in severe Oregon winters. M. communis subsp. communis is commonly known as wild myrtle and is defined by its larger, broader leaves than subsp. tarentina. Glossy, aromatic foliage and fragrant white star flowers in summer that ripen into blue-black berries by autumn. Berries and leaves have been used since ancient times in medicine, cooking, and rituals. Known as 'the wedding herb' since Roman times and still a common addition to bridal bouquets.
Height: to 5 ft. Spread: to 5 ft.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: culinary- to flavor meat, liqueurs, stews and stuffings, medicine, ornamental- as a specimen plant or low hedge
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought
Care: no special care needed, can be pruned in spring or summer to reshape
Notes: we acquired this plant in Asheville, North Carolina as an unnamed form of M. communis many years ago. It survived multiple cold winters (down to 5 F at times) planted in a fully exposed site and was subsequently named as 'Andy's Hardy' by some local plantsmen who were impressed with its exceptional hardiness. However, many cultivars of M. communis were brought to the U.S. in the 19th and 20th century and it is possible that the "M. communis" that we purchased is one of those original 8 or more broad-leaved myrtle cultivars that are no longer cultivated in the U.S and was simply not labeled as such.
