Myrtle Ball
These instructions are sent with the plant gift
Also known as Greek myrtle or Common Myrtle, these easy to care for plants will reward you with fragrant evergreen leaves all year round. You may even get some small white flowers in Summer
Myrtle likes indirect sunlight and a cool room. In summer you can put it outside on a sheltered patio and it will enjoy the fresh air. But as soon as the nights get cooler, it should go back inside. This plant does best above 10°C and certainly needs to be above 2°C.
Whilst in a small pot it will need regular watering. Water from the top and let the excess drain away. You can stand in very shallow water, but don't let the plant get waterlogged. The top of the soil should be damp to the touch. To keep the growth going feed with ordinary houseplant feed every few weeks.
As your plant grows you may want to repot it in a larger pot, if it gets untidy just clip it back into shape using sharp scissors or seceteurs.
Myrtle leaves make a great savoury seasoning and can be added fresh or dried to casseroles and soups. Myrtle does tend to shed a few leaves as it puts on new growth but if you notice dramatic leaf drop the most likely cause is underwatering or scorching. Water immediately and move your plant out of direct sunlight.
More Information
Scientific Name:myrtus communis
Myrtle probably comes from the ancient greek "myrtus" as do many other european common names.
white flowers in spring/summer
small blue bitter tasting berries
easy to care for shrub that can be pruned to keep a symmetrical shape. Useful for pots as topiary but can also be planted out.
http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/blogs/jim_gardiner/archive/2008/04/30/mount-myrtle.aspx
Originating in eastern europe
