Myrtle Plant

Description

Best known as a traditional flower in Royal wedding bouquets since Queen Victoria's time, this extremely aromatic perennial is also useful in the kitchen and as a component of pot pourri. Believed to have been introduced to the UK by Sir Walter Raleigh, this slow-growing Mediterranean shrub, with its highly fragrant flowers and glossy dark green leaves, will lend an exotic touch to any garden.

• Slow-growing evergreen perennial shrub, can reach between 6-10 ft (2-3 m) in height.
• Produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers with clusters of golden stamens, and aromatic, glossy dark green leaves.
• Likes full sun and a fertile, well-drained soil.
• Tolerant of salt air.
• In northern gardens, plant against a south-facing wall, and cover in horticultural fleece in winter.
• Also grows well in a container.
• Trim in sping to maintain plant's shape.

Culinary Uses

• Use leaves fresh or dried, like bay leaves.
• Preserve leaves in oil or vinegar.
• Use myrtle trimmings when smoking food.
• Leaves and berries are used in Middle Eastern cuisine, with pork and lamb, and have a flavour similar to allspice.
• Berries can be dried and ground and used with game and venison.

Medicinal Uses

• Myrtle leaves can be made into a decoction to be applied to bruises and haemorrhoids.
• A tea can be made from the leaves and berries which may lower blood glucose, and help with bladder and urinary infections.
• The berries are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Other Uses

• Queen Victoria began the modern tradition of including sprigs of myrtle in wedding bouquets.
• All parts of the shrub can be dried and used in pot pourri.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.

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