Myrica gale or Sweet Gale is a low growing, deciduous and bushy shrub, 2 to 4 feet all. Foliage is a dark and glossy green, narrow-leafed, with very pleasantly aromatic leaves. The resin glands are prominent, bright yellow. It is grown primarily for the foliage; greenish flowers are not showy nor are the tiny fruits. Native to northern latitudes. Found in bogs, fens, swamps and upper reaches of salt marshes. Nitrogen fixing plant. Cultivated since 1750.
Bog-myrtle Care
Myrica Gale
What is the plant
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Lighting
Full Sun
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water.
Pruning
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and may require the occasional pruning to look its best.
Sunlight
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade.
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Soil
Most reports say that it prefers a moist soil and that it grows well in an open position in a well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Most reports also say that it prefers or even requires a lime-free loamy or peaty soil but another report says that it succeeds in any ordinary garden soil. In the wild it is usually found in soils with a pH between 3.5 and 6, but it is also sometimes found in fens with a pH as high as 7.5
Temperature
The plant is heat tolerant in zones 6 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C).
Popularity
44 people already have this plant 14 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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