How to Prune Common myrtle?

(Myrtus communis)

Common myrtle, also known as Roman Myrtle, Bride's Myrtle, Sweet Roman Myrtle, True myrtle, Myrtle

A Mediterranean evergreen shrub, common myrtle is cherished for its aromatic foliage and star-shaped flowers. Prune common myrtle in early spring or winter to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Remove dead or weak stems and lightly shape the canopy, avoiding severe cuts. Timely pruning benefits common myrtle by reducing disease risk and promoting vigorous blossom and foliage production.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Common Myrtle?

Pruning common myrtle encourages prolific blooming and strengthens its resilience against pests and diseases, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant plant.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Common Myrtle?

Spring

Winter

Pruning common myrtle in early spring aligns with the period just before the onset of the main growth cycle, allowing the plant to direct energy to new, desired growth that shapes it effectively. Winter is also suitable as common myrtle is dormant, minimizing stress and reducing the risk of disease intrusion into pruning wounds. Avoiding the active growth and flowering phase in late spring and summer ensures that the plant's blossoming and fruiting potential is not compromised.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Common Myrtle?

Hand Pruners

Ideal for cutting small stems and branches of common myrtle, ensuring clean cuts for healthier growth.

Loppers

Suitable for trimming thicker branches that hand pruners cannot handle, providing leverage for precise cutting.

Pruning Saws

Necessary for larger branches where loppers are inadequate, allowing for controlled cuts without damaging common myrtle.

Hedge Shears

Perfect for shaping common myrtle when creating formal hedges or when performing regular trimming of soft growth.

Pruning Gloves

Essential for protecting hands from sharp edges and natural irritants while pruning common myrtle.

How to Prune Common Myrtle

Step1: Sterilize Pruning Tools

Begin by sterilizing your pruning tools to avoid the spread of disease. Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to clean the blades, or use rubbing alcohol directly on the blades before starting to prune common myrtle.

Step2: Timing of Pruning

Choose the correct time of year to prune common myrtle, which is generally late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth, to allow for healing and new development during the growing season.

Step3: Removing Dead Branches

Start by removing any dead branches, cutting them back to the point where they meet healthy wood. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above an outward facing bud or branch. This encourages water to run off the cut and promotes new growth in a desirable direction.

Step4: Identifying Old Wood

Identify old wood that no longer produces vigorous growth or blooms. Old wood can be recognized by its thicker, darker appearance and rougher texture compared to new, green stems.

Step5: Thinning Out Old Wood

Thin out old wood selectively by cutting back to a side branch or the main stem. Aim to remove no more than one-third of such material in a single year to avoid stressing common myrtle.

Step6: Shaping Plant Structure

Evaluate the overall shape and structure of common myrtle as you prune. Aim to create an open, vase-like shape that allows light and air to penetrate the center of the plant, which encourages healthy growth and reduces the likelihood of disease.

Step7: Disposal of Pruning Debris

After cutting dead branches and old wood, dispose of the removed material properly, as it could harbor pests or diseases that could affect common myrtle or other plants.

Step8: Post-Pruning Tool Care

Once the pruning is completed, clean and sterilize the tools again to prepare them for the next use and to prevent cross-contamination between plants.

Step9: Post-Pruning Watering

Water common myrtle lightly after pruning, to help reduce stress on the plant. Avoid heavy watering or fertilizing immediately after pruning, as this can promote too rapid growth before the plant has had time to heal.

Step10: Monitoring New Growth

Monitor common myrtle over the next several weeks for signs of new growth from the remaining buds. This will indicate successful pruning and will allow you to assess the shape of the plant as it fills in.

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Post-Pruning Care for Common Myrtle

Immediately after pruning common myrtle, irrigate thoroughly to reduce transplant shock. Situate common myrtle in partial shade to mitigate stress while maintaining mild to warm temperatures and consistent humidity. Commence a fertilization regimen with a balanced, slow-release formula to support regrowth. Regularly inspect for signs of distress—wilting, discoloration—or infection. Swiftly address any anomalies by adjusting care or consulting a plant health specialist.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Common Myrtle

Avoid Old Wood Pruning, Risk Bare Patches

Cutting into the old wood where there are no leaves can be detrimental for common myrtle, as it may not be able to produce new shoots from these points, leading to bare patches.

Restrict Over-Pruning, Prevent Plant Stress

Over-pruning or removing too much foliage in a single session can stress common myrtle, resulting in poor plant health or reduced flowering.

Sterilize Tools, Stop Disease Spread

Failing to sterilize pruning tools before use can spread disease between common myrtle and other plants, potentially harming the specimen.

Remove Dead Branches, Enhance Air and Light

Neglecting to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches can lead to a lack of air circulation and light penetration, impacting the overall health and bloom of common myrtle.

Respect Natural Shape, Maintain Structure

Ignoring the natural shape of common myrtle while pruning can result in an unsightly appearance and may compromise the plant's structural integrity.

Common Pruning Tips for Common Myrtle

Sharp Shears for Healthy Cuts

Use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts that will heal quickly and reduce the risk of disease for common myrtle.

Prune One-Third Foliage, Reduce Stress

Ideally, remove only about one-third of the overall foliage during a pruning session to prevent putting common myrtle under too much stress.

Purposeful Pruning for Better Circulation

Always prune with a purpose: remove dead and diseased limbs first, then focus on shaping and thinning common myrtle for improved air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Post-Flowering Trim Stimulates Reblooming

After flowering, lightly trim common myrtle to encourage bushiness and remove faded flowers, which often stimulates a second bloom cycle.

Prune to Natural Shape for Health

Follow the natural growth habit when shaping common myrtle for a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing plant.