Myrtle Tarentina
Myrtle ‘Tarentina’ (Myrtus communis subsp. Tarentina)
A compact, evergreen Mediterranean herb with glossy aromatic leaves and delicate white summer flowers — perfect for flavouring slow‑cooked dishes, infusing syrups, and adding year‑round structure to pots and borders
🌿 Myrtle ‘Tarentina’ is a beautifully neat, slow‑growing form of common myrtle, prized for its glossy evergreen foliage, soft resinous aroma, and tiny white flowers that appear in summer. Naturally compact and tidy, it’s ideal for containers, patios, and sheltered gardens where its Mediterranean character really shines.
The leaves have a gentle, bay‑like flavour with hints of juniper and citrus‑floral sweetness, making them surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. Aromatic, ornamental, and wonderfully well‑behaved, Myrtle ‘Tarentina’ is a superb choice for gardeners who want an evergreen herb that looks good all year and brings subtle, warming flavour to slow‑cooked dishes and infusions.
🌿 Leaves
The leaves have a soft, resinous, bay‑like flavour with gentle juniper and citrus‑floral notes.
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Add whole leaves to soups, stews, and braises (use like bay)
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Infuse in marinades for lamb, chicken, or fish
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Slip into roasted vegetables for a warm aromatic lift
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Steep in syrups, custards, or cream for a delicate floral note
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Use sparingly in rice dishes or pilafs
Leaf flavour: soft resinous, bay‑juniper, lightly floral
🌼 Flowers
Edible, lightly perfumed, and decorative.
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Scatter over salads or desserts
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Use as a garnish for drinks and herbal teas
Flower flavour: mild, floral, aromatic
🌿 Berries
Produced occasionally in UK gardens; warm, aromatic, and slightly peppery.
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Dry and use like a softer juniper
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Add to Mediterranean liqueurs or slow‑cooked dishes
Berry flavour: warm, peppery‑aromatic, juniper‑like
