A compact form of common myrtle with small, dense, aromatic leaves that take shearing well. In the Phoenix Valley it fills the role boxwood plays in milder climates, holding a crisp low hedge or clipped shape in full sun.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is surprisingly drought tolerant once established and prefers deep, infrequent watering. Constantly wet soil leads to yellowing leaves.
Pruning
Shear once or twice a year to hold a formal shape, or let it grow naturally between trims. Avoid heavy shearing in the hottest weeks of summer, which can expose inner leaves to sunburn.
Chlorosis
Yellow leaves with green veins usually mean iron chlorosis from wet, alkaline soil. Good drainage and less frequent watering are the best prevention.
Pests
Generally trouble-free. Spider mites can show up in summer; a strong rinse of water usually handles them.
How our designers use it
Low formal hedges
Our designers use it to edge walks, frame lawns and define garden rooms with a clean green line.
Clipped accents
It can be shaped into balls, boxes or low topiary for structured, modern plantings.
Containers
Its slow, compact growth suits large pots at entries and on patios.
Good to know
Around the pool
Sheared plants flower and fruit lightly, so litter is minimal. It makes a tidy low edge for pool planters.
