This is the medium to tall hedge with real
traditional style. A lot of people believe the only fast growing larger
hedge with fine foliage is the Pittosporum. Myrtus luma
grows just as quickly as the Pittosporum but has a deep green dense foliage that can be
clipped to look like a large English Box. Myrtus luma can grow 3-4ft a year and loves to
be clipped and shaped. At Chris and Maries Plant
Farms it is used for making very large
complex topiaries. In the home garden Myrtus luma is good
for making medium sized through to very tall narrow hedges and screens that are dense and
bushy that cant be seen through. As well as giving the garden a classical, rich,
green, formal look, Myrtus luma has sporadic flowering throughout the summer months with
tiny white flowers appearing in clusters throughout the hedge complimenting but not
dominating the rich green foliage. The foliage is beautiful and fragrant giving off its
scent when it is cut or brushed against.
The roots of the Myrtus are similar in
structure to an azalea or rhododendron, they are fine and dont spread extensively.
This makes
Myrtus luma a very safe plant to plant intensively around garden beds and
paving. At the same time because the roots are neither extensive nor aggressive Myrtus
luma should be planted in deep well drained fertile soils that are well watered and
fertilised.
The Myrtus luma is happy in the full sun but also does well in moderate
shade. It is ideal for planting as a hedge, under other trees, as long as it is well
watered and fertilised and the shade is not total shade as one might find under Cyprus
trees.
So at last here a real alternative to Pittosporums and Conifers
that looks different and has some special qualities.
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