Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Microphylla Variegata'
Common name(s): variegated dwarf sweet myrtle
Description: evergreen shrub; 'Microphylla Variegata' is a cultivar with tidy, compact growth and variegated leaves. Glossy, aromatic foliage and fragrant white 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 3 ft. Spread: to 3 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 10 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 purchased our original stock from Sandy Mush Herb Nursery as M. communis 'Microphylla Variegata' -- it seems likely that this is the same clone as the more commonly marketed M. communis 'Compacta Variegata' which doesn't appear in any literature until a 1926 catalog of Armstrong Nurseries in Ontario, California. M. communis 'Microphylla Variegata' appears as early as 1850 and possibly before. If they are indeed different, they are morphologically similar enough to be grown side by side without notice.
