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Myrtle Bonsai Care Guide (Myrtus communis)

Myrtus communis, or Common Myrtle, is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub cherished for its aromatic leaves, white star-like flowers, and cultural symbolism. Its naturally fine branching and small, glossy leaves make it a graceful and manageable bonsai subject. Flowering in summer and followed by purple berries in autumn, Myrtle offers year-round beauty. Revered in myth and herbal medicine, it symbolises purity, love, and vitality, making it a meaningful addition to any bonsai collection.


Habitat

Myrtle grows in the dry, sunny scrublands and maquis of the Mediterranean region. It favours light, well-drained soils, moderate moisture, and full sun to light shade. In bonsai, it requires a free-draining soil mix, consistent light, and protection from cold and overly wet conditions.

Bonsai Care Guide for Myrtle (Myrtus communis)


Bonsai Styles and Sizes

Due to its natural elegance, Myrtle is well suited to:

  • Informal Upright (Moyogi)

  • Broom Style (Hokidachi)

  • Twin-trunk (Sokan)

  • Literati (Bunjin) with age

Ideal for Shohin to Chuhin sizes (10–60 cm), where its fine leaves and flower scale are most proportional.

Light Requirements


Optimal Exposure

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Best flowering and compact foliage occur with 6+ hours of sunlight per day.


Seasonal Adjustments

Provide light shade in midsummer to prevent leaf curl. In winter, protect from frost using a cool greenhouse or sheltered, bright windowsill.


Watering Techniques

Regular Watering

Myrtle prefers evenly moist soil that drains well. Water when the top 2–3 cm dries out. Avoid letting the rootball dry completely.

Seasonal Watering

In summer, increase watering to support flowering. In winter, water sparingly and only when needed—ensure roots don’t sit wet.


Soil and Fertilisation

Traditional Soil Composition

  • 50% Akadama

  • 25% pumice

  • 25% composted bark or lava rockThis balances moisture retention and drainage.

Sustainable Soil Composition

A regenerative alternative includes:

  • 30% home-made compost

  • 20% leaf mould

  • 20% vermicast

  • 20% coarse sand or crushed lava

  • 10% biochar (avoid wood ash to preserve acidity)

Myrtle prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6–7).


Fertilisation Schedule

  • Use only organic fertilisers, ideally with balanced N:P:K (e.g. 5:5:5)

  • Feed every 3–4 weeks from spring through early autumn

  • Delay feeding for at least two weeks after repotting

  • Compost tea and liquid seaweed fertiliser encourage flowering


Pruning and Shaping

Structural Pruning

Prune in early spring before flowering begins. Remove crossing branches and establish main form.

Maintenance Pruning

Clip back to 2–3 leaf pairs during the growing season. Pinch tips to encourage ramification. Remove faded flowers to redirect energy.

Wiring Techniques

Branches are flexible when young—wire in late spring or early summer. Use care near buds and avoid damaging bark.


Repotting Essentials

Ideal Time to Repot

Early spring, before bud swell.

Frequency of Repotting

  • Young trees: Every 2–3 years

  • Mature trees: Every 4 years

Best Practices

  • Prune roots moderately

  • Use fresh, slightly acidic mix

  • Provide shelter and soft light post-repot

  • Avoid fertilising for at least two weeks after repotting


Seasonal Protection

  • Winter: Keep in a frost-free greenhouse or bright indoor area. Myrtle is hardy down to about -5°C but prefers protection.

  • Summer: Provide partial shading to prevent leaf stress or flower drop.

  • Rainy Periods:

    • Tilt the pot slightly to prevent water stagnation

    • Cover surface with clear plastic during extended rain

    • Elevate container to ensure proper airflow beneath


Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

  • Aphids during flower season

  • Scale insects

  • Whiteflies in greenhouse conditions

Control with neem oil or organic insecticidal sprays. Wipe down foliage regularly if indoors


Disease Prevention

Avoid overwatering and ensure good air movement. Remove any dropped flowers or berries to prevent fungal build-up.


Propagation

Seed Propagation

Seeds germinate in spring with moderate heat. Soak seeds overnight before sowing.

Cuttings

Semi-hardwood cuttings root well in late summer under humid conditions. Use rooting hormone for best results.


Sustainability

a) Companion Bonsai

Ideal Mediterranean partners include:

  • Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)

  • Punica granatum (Pomegranate)

  • Pistacia lentiscus (Mastic Tree)

All share similar sunlight and water needs and create fragrant, flower-rich displays.

b) Guild Species and Soil Health

Improve soil biodiversity and moisture balance with:

  • Understory herbs like chamomile or lemon balm

  • Compost and vermicast for root zone vitality

  • Biochar to hold moisture without waterlogging

  • Leaf litter mulch to simulate maquis understorey

Avoid alkaline amendments like wood ash.


Misc Notes

  • Myrtle flowers are mildly fragrant, attracting pollinators

  • Berries are edible and can be used in herbal liqueurs (e.g. Mirto)

  • Culturally linked to love, peace, and rebirth in Roman and Greek traditions


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