Rhodomyrtus tomentosaRose Myrtle

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, the Rose Myrtle, is a dense evergreen shrub with distinctive three-veined leaves, glossy above and thickly grey-felted beneath, so the whole plant flickers between green and silver in wind. Rose-pink flowers with a boss of stamens open through spring and summer and are followed by edible purple-black berries.

It handles poor sandy ground, coastal exposure and full sun without irrigation, which makes it a useful informal hedge and bank cover in exactly the conditions that defeat softer shrubs.

Specifications

• Height1 to 3 metres
• Width1 to 2.5 metres
• Native toSouthern and Southeast Asia, from India through southern China to the Philippines
• FoliageOval leaves with three prominent veins, glossy above and densely grey-felted beneath; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilTolerates poor, sandy and acidic soils; needs good drainage
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical regions, including exposed coastal sites

Additional Features

• FlowersRose-pink flowers with a prominent boss of stamens through spring and summer
• FruitPurple-black edible berries following the flowers
• UsesIdeal for informal hedging, coastal and sandy site planting, bank and slope cover and wildlife planting
• SpacingPlant 0.8 to 1.2 metres apart for a continuous informal hedge
• Low MaintenancePrune after fruiting to keep the plant dense and furnished to the base
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient
• Salt ToleranceTolerates coastal exposure and salt-laden sandy soils
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers are worked by bees and the fruit is heavily taken by birds

Rose Myrtle holds a difficult sandy bank together and flowers while it does it.