Myrtus communis in a container, what does it need?

Hi Guys,

I only have some MPC ATM, will that be fine to plant my myrtle in? What about feeding, can I just feed it with B,F+B occasionally? How about adding a little of my fertile clay soil to the mix? And should I add a little grit to aid drainage?

Also, will it happily tolerate being in a container for a few years or will it rapidly try to outgrow it, rather large shrubs when mature, aren't they? Pot's about 15 inches in diameter and about a foot deep.

Sorry about all the questions, newbie to container gardening!

Thanks,

Nick

 

Hello Nick, if you're planning on keeping it containerised then yes, mix up some MPC with preferably sterilised, crumbly garden soil and some grit, with a dose of BFB. Myrtle will grow better in the equivalent of John Innes compost and it will also weigh heavier so less chance of the pot blowing over.

 

Thanks so much for that, Hazel! The only problem I seem to have when using my garden soil rather than a proper JI mix is that unlike the latter, it turns almost concrete-like if left dry long enough! So I'm guessing I'm adding a little too much to my container mixes ATM...

Nick