Small Myrtle Plant Care

Small Myrtle (Hypocalymma minus) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Hypocalymma genus. Small Myrtle is native to the south west of Western Australia.

Small Myrtle displays a compact shrub with dense foliage growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Small Myrtle produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Small Myrtle every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Small Myrtle thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Small Myrtle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hypocalymma minus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Small Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Small Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Small Myrtle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Small Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Small Myrtle can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Small Myrtle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Small Myrtle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Small Myrtle can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white myrtle plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Small Myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Small Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Small Myrtle is native to the south west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Small Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.