Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle: Compact Color, Big Fragrance
Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred‘ — sold as Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle — makes a small space sing. This compact evergreen shrub from the Myrtaceae family carries glossy leaves that release a spicy scent when you brush past them. In spring it bursts into starry white flowers with golden stamens. When autumn cools the air, the foliage turns bright, lacquered red and holds color well into the season. Plant it in a border, clip it into a low hedge, or drop it into a container; this tidy doer gives year-round structure, fragrance, and seasonal drama without fussy care.
You can expect a dense, tightly branched mound about 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) tall and wide. That controlled habit makes siting easy. It stays neat beside a path and behaves in a foundation bed. It also tolerates coastal exposure and dry spells once established, so it suits waterwise designs in Zones 8–10. Give it sun, decent drainage, and an occasional trim; it will reward you with perfume, pollinators, and glowing fall color.
What Makes Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’ Different
Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle stands out first for foliage. New growth emerges glossy green, then the whole plant flames red in fall. Many myrtles offer fragrance and bloom; few color up like this. The leaves are small, opposite, and packed along each stem, which creates a smooth surface that clips cleanly. Because the shrub branches from low down, even a young plant reads as a finished cushion rather than a leggy stick.
Spring opens the next act. Fragrant white flowers appear along the shoots, each bloom showcasing a halo of fine, yellow-tipped stamens. They draw bees and other beneficial insects. In warm sites the flowers may give way to small, purplish-black berries later in the season, adding another moment of interest. Through summer the shrub keeps its glossy look, then the red finale arrives when nights turn cool.
Size, Habit, and Growth Rate
Count on a moderate growth rate. In good conditions it will add 15–30 cm (6–12 in) of height per year until it reaches its natural dome. Mature dimensions hold around 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) in both height and spread. The form stays compact without constant pruning. If you want a tight edge, you can shear it once a year after bloom. For a softer line, tip-prune by hand and let the plant keep its rounded, cloud-like outline.
Climate And Environmental Tolerances
Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’ thrives in USDA Zones 8–10. It loves heat and copes with summer drought once roots run deep. In coastal gardens it handles salt-laden breezes with ease. In hot inland sites, offer light afternoon shade to protect young plants and preserve leaf sheen. Winter lows near −7 to −1 °C (20–30 °F) may mark the edge of comfort; a hard snap below that can singe tips. Mulch the root zone and avoid cold, trapping wind for best winter looks.
Where Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle Shines In Design
Use Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle where you want evergreen structure that turns heads in fall. Line a front walk with a knee-high hedge. Frame steps with a pair of containers. Stitch three or five into a mixed foundation bed to knit perennials and grasses together. The red fall foliage partners beautifully with blue-green tones like Festuca and Lavender. It also pops against dark leaves from Loropetalum or Coprosma. Near a patio, the leaf fragrance works like a built-in herb garden; brush it and enjoy the spicy, resinous notes.
Because the shrub stays compact, it fits narrow city strips and townhouse planters. You can also train it into simple forms. Clip a ball on a short stem for a modern look, or keep a low rectangular hedge along a border edge. The clean, small leaves take shears well and recover fast.
How To Grow Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’
Set it up right, and this plant practically manages itself. Follow the steps below to plant it, water it, and keep it lush.
Planting And Spacing
Plant container-grown shrubs in spring in cooler regions or in early autumn where winters stay mild. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and the same depth. Rough up the sides of the hole with your shovel. Slip the root ball out and tease any circling roots free. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil improved with 20–30% compost. Firm gently and water to settle. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36 in) apart for a solid hedge or 90–120 cm (36–48 in) for individual specimens.
For containers, choose a pot 30–40 cm (12–16 in) across with wide drainage holes. Use a high-quality, bark-based potting mix. Raise the pot on feet so water can escape freely.
Light
Give Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’ full sun for the richest fall color and the heaviest bloom. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct light. In hot, arid climates, afternoon shade from about 14:00 onward keeps the sheen on leaves and reduces water demand. In dense shade the shrub will thin and bloom less.
Soil
This myrtle loves well-drained, moderately fertile ground. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.0) suits it, though it tolerates lightly alkaline soils if you improve drainage. On clay, lift the planting area into a berm 15–20 cm (6–8 in) high to keep roots aerated. Blend in coarse sand or fine gravel and compost to open the texture. On sandy soils, add compost to boost water and nutrient holding.
Watering
Water deeply during the first growing season. Soak the root zone to a depth of 20–30 cm (8–12 in), then let the top 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of soil dry before you water again. In average summer weather, that often means a weekly soak; in heat waves, step up to twice a week until the plant hardens off. After year one, shift to a deep soak every 10–14 days in dry spells. Container plants dry faster; check with your finger and water when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) feels dry. Always water at the base to keep the foliage clean.
Mulching
Spread mulch in a wide ring after planting. Use 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of shredded bark or composted leaves. Keep mulch 5 cm (2 in) off the stems. Mulch locks in moisture, cools roots, and buffers soil temperatures during winter and summer.
Fertilizing
Feed lightly. In early spring, scatter 30–60 g (1–2 oz) of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (for example 10-10-10) over the root zone of an in-ground plant, then water it in. You can also top-dress with 2–4 L (about 2–4 quarts) of compost per plant instead. Container specimens appreciate a monthly dose of liquid feed at half strength from spring through midsummer. Stop feeding 6–8 weeks before your first expected frost to avoid tender late growth.
Pruning And Shaping
Prune right after the main spring bloom so you don’t remove the flower show. Shear lightly to refresh the surface if you keep a hedge. For a natural mound, step back and clip only the longest shoots by 10–15 cm (4–6 in). Remove any dead or crowded interior twigs to open the structure. On an older plant that needs a reset, thin one or two of the oldest stems back to within 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of the base in late winter. New shoots will fill in quickly when spring growth starts.
Temperature And Hardiness
In Zones 8–10, Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle or Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’ overwinters outdoors. Where winter lows fall below −9 °C (15 °F), grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free spot for the coldest weeks. Keep the potting mix barely moist in winter. In spring, reintroduce full sun gradually over 10–14 days to prevent leaf scorch.
Seasonal Care Calendar for Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’
Late Winter: Check mulch depth and top up if it has thinned. In cold-edge gardens, wrap young plants with breathable frost cloth before an Arctic blast. Inspect containers and replace any cracked pots.
Early Spring: Feed, prune after bloom, and refresh mulch. Water as growth resumes. Check for early aphids as flower buds form.
Summer: Water deeply but infrequently. Deadhead spent flowers if you want a pristine look. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather; a strong spray of water under leaves helps deter them.
Autumn: Enjoy the red foliage show. Reduce irrigation as temperatures drop. In containers, move plants out of strong, drying winds to preserve colored leaves.
Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’ In Containers
Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle shines in pots because it stays compact and clips cleanly. Choose a container at least 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide for year one, then move up a size as roots fill the space. Use a chunky, well-drained mix. Set the pot where it gets morning sun and good airflow. Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 in) dries. Fertilize monthly from spring through midsummer with a half-strength liquid feed. Trim right after bloom to hold the shape you want. In cold snaps below −3 °C (27 °F), slide the pot against a wall or into a sheltered porch.
Pollinators, Pets, And People
The fragrant spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. That boosts pollination for nearby edibles and supports garden biodiversity. As with many aromatic evergreens, the leaves contain essential oils; avoid chewing them, and keep clippings off pathways where pets might nibble. If you grow culinary myrtle, choose the straight species and confirm local guidance; treat Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle as ornamental.
Propagation of Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer when new shoots start to firm. Snip 10–12 cm (4–5 in) pieces below a node, strip the lower leaves, and dip the base in rooting gel. Insert into a tray of 50:50 perlite and peat or a similar sterile mix. Mist to maintain humidity and keep the tray warm, around 18–21 °C (65–70 °F), with bright, indirect light. Roots typically form in several weeks. Move rooted cuttings into small pots and grow them on until the following spring before planting out.
Important: This cultivar is protected (PPAF). Asexual propagation of patented plants is prohibited during the life of the patent unless you have permission from the rights holder. If you intend to propagate for sale or distribution, secure authorization first.
Pests & Diseases
Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle usually stays healthy. Good air movement and well-drained soil are your best defenses. Still, you may see the occasional pest.
Aphids sometimes cluster on soft spring shoots. Rinse them off with a firm stream of water, or use an insecticidal soap if they persist. Spider mites can speckle leaves during hot, dry stretches; raise humidity with morning irrigation and blast the undersides of leaves with water. Scale insects may settle along stems and excrete sticky honeydew that invites sooty mold. Scrape small colonies off with a fingernail or treat with a light horticultural oil, applied according to the label.
Diseases are uncommon. In heavy, wet soils, root issues can develop. Plant on a berm or in a raised bed if your site stays soggy. Avoid overhead irrigation in the evening; wet leaves overnight can encourage minor leaf spots. Prune to thin congested growth and improve airflow if you garden in a humid climate.
Troubleshooting Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’
Sparse Bloom: Increase sun exposure and hold back on nitrogen. A light spring feed and a post-bloom tip prune often fix the issue.
Leaf Browning At Edges: Check soil moisture. Both drought stress and waterlogged roots can scorch margins. Adjust your watering rhythm so the soil dries slightly between deep soaks.
Weak Fall Color: Give more light. Full sun drives the red display. Also review fertility; heavy feeding can push green growth at the expense of pigments.
Wind Burn Near The Coast: The plant tolerates salt, but steady, blasting wind can rough up leaves. Plant it behind a fence or hedge, or stage containers in a sheltered pocket.
Choosing Companions For Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle
Play with contrast. Pair Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle with blue-flowering staples like Salvia, Perovskia, or Agapanthus to set off the red fall tones. Match its compact habit with low ornamental grasses like Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’. In a foundation bed, flank it with Lavender or Rosemary for a cohesive, aromatic theme that thrives on similar care: sun, drainage, and modest water. In containers, mix it with trailing Helichrysum and seasonal color for a long-lasting porch display.
Why Gardeners Keep Coming Back to Myrtus communis ‘Monfazred’
This shrub checks all the boxes for a modern garden. It stays small, so it fits. This plant keeps its leaves year-round, so it anchors beds. It perfumes the air in spring and burns with color in fall. Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle tolerates drought and coastal exposure once established, so it fits waterwise and seaside designs. It clips well, so it works for hedges and simple topiary. And it asks for very little in return beyond sun, drainage, and a yearly trim.
Quick Specs At A Glance
Height and spread: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft).
Bloom: Spring, fragrant white flowers with showy stamens.
Foliage: Glossy green, turning bright red in fall.
Exposure: Full sun to light shade; best color in full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant after establishment.
Zones: 8–10.
Use: Low hedge, border, foundation, container, coastal garden.
Final Planting Tips For Success
Plant Myrtus communis where you will enjoy the fragrance and the fall show — near a front walk or a patio edge works beautifully. Place it in full sun for the richest red foliage. Give it a wide mulch ring and water deeply during year one to build a robust root system. Feed lightly in spring. Shear or hand-prune right after bloom to hold its neat outline. With those simple steps, Sweetmaroon™ Myrtle will give you a compact, colorful, and powerfully fragrant focal point for many seasons to come.
