Myrica, commonly known as bog myrtle, is a distinctive shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and natural beauty. It is robust and unaffected by windy conditions, making it well suited to coastal and exposed gardens. In early spring it is covered with a haze of golden, fluffy catkins, providing valuable texture and colour at the start of the season. Myrica grows best in full sun or light shade, and is notably tolerant of clay soil and moist or even waterlogged conditions. It won't tolerate dry conditions or very light soils. Fully hardy and low maintenance, Myrica establishes relatively quickly via suckers, so is useful for filling gaps and tricky areas of the garden. In autumn its small nut-like fruits are a valuable food for birds and other wildlife, and its dense growth provides shelter.

How to plant

— Myrica are suppied as bare roots in spring for planting between February and May. They will need moisture and light and should be attended to very soon after delivery. Unpack within 1-2 days of arrival, place roots in a bucket of water outside to soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. It is often possible to plant your bare root Myrica directly into a border, providing the soil is good quality, consistently moist and there is a clear space for it. Dig over the area to loosen the soil texture and remove weeds. Check whether any neighbouring plants are likely to overcrowd the new shrub during the growing season and esnure there is sufficient space. Dig a hole deep enough to fit the full root system. The roots should be fully submerged after planting, the stem and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting.

— You can mix in some organic matter like compost or leaf mould to improve the texture and nutrient levels in the planting hole. Doing this provides a softer medium for the new roots to grow in. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the young roots. If you want to apply manure, this can be added to the soil surface after planting.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side facing into the garden, then backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly after planting to keep the root hydrated and settle the soil.

— If your growing conditions are challenging (poor soil, heavy clay) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub to grow-on and establish until it is stronger before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered spot outside. Once the shrub easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together by the roots, or the roots become visible through the drainage holes of the pot, it is ready to transplant.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position which is in full sun or partial shade, with consistently moist or slightly boggy soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water after planting and continue watering regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Don't allow the soil to dry out.

Aftercare

— Myrica is supplied in a dormant state and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will emerge by around mid April.

— Keep the surrounding soil very moist, watering deeply if it begins to dry out

— Myrica needs little pruning, only the removal of dead or damaged branches, and thinning out of overcrowded clumps by cutting old stems to the base.

— To maintain shape, lightly prune stems as needed in late winter or early spring, cutting back to an outward facing bud.

— Apply a mulch of organic matter in winter or spring, to feed the shrub and maintain moisture in the soil, mulching heavily if there is risk of the soil becoming dry in summer.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs