Myrtle

Myrtle: A Classic Symbol of Love and Purity in Elegant Floral Design

Myrtle is a timeless greenery known for its glossy, deep green leaves, subtle fragrance, and rich symbolism rooted in tradition. For centuries, myrtle has been associated with love, fidelity, and lasting connection, making it a favorite choice in weddings and ceremonial arrangements around the world. Its refined shape and symbolic weight bring both elegance and emotional depth to floral designs.

Often used in bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, crowns, and lush garlands, myrtle is appreciated for its clean structure and ability to blend seamlessly with both classic and modern arrangements. Its slender stems and waxy leaves provide a polished, structured look while offering rich cultural and historical significance.

What Makes Myrtle Special?

Smooth, evergreen leaves with a rich green hue

A subtle, herbal scent that enhances freshness

Upright stems that provide clean lines and structure

Symbolism rooted in ancient traditions, especially weddings

Long-lasting and adaptable for fresh or preserved arrangements

Myrtle is a versatile accent that works well as filler greenery, a bouquet base, or even the star of minimalist floral designs. It holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for everything from delicate nosegays to large-scale installations.

Symbolism and Tradition

Myrtle carries a powerful legacy of symbolism. In Greek and Roman mythology, it was sacred to the goddess Aphrodite (or Venus), representing beauty, love, and immortality. In Victorian flower language, myrtle symbolized a happy marriage. It became a royal wedding staple, with sprigs of myrtle included in the bouquets of English queens and princesses for generations.

Its presence in a wedding bouquet is thought to bring luck, fertility, and enduring love, making it especially meaningful for marriage ceremonies and romantic celebrations.

Popular Floral Uses for Myrtle

Weddings: Frequently used in bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and altar arrangements.

Garlands and Runners: A favorite for lush, trailing table runners, ceremony arches, and stairway garlands.

Everyday Arrangements: Adds polish and greenery to seasonal bouquets or sympathy florals.

Minimalist Design: Its graceful, glossy leaves make a subtle, elegant statement even on their own.

Preserved or Dried Arrangements: Myrtle holds color and form well when dried, making it ideal for keepsakes or long-lasting floral work.

How Myrtle Pairs with Other Flowers

Myrtle complements a wide range of floral styles and palettes. It pairs beautifully with:

Roses, garden roses, and ranunculus for a romantic look

Peonies, lisianthus, or hydrangeas in soft, lush arrangements

Calla lilies or orchids for modern, structured bouquets

Seasonal blooms like tulips, anemones, and daffodils

Other greenery like Italian ruscus, eucalyptus, or olive branches

Its deep green color and neat texture balance softer or more intricate flowers, grounding the arrangement while adding grace.

Ideal Occasions for Using Myrtle

Weddings: A must-have for traditional and symbolic arrangements.

Anniversaries: Adds meaningful greenery to romantic florals.

Sympathy and Memorial: Myrtle’s associations with peace and eternity bring comfort and depth.

Religious Ceremonies: Used in events where purity and tradition are honored.

Home Décor: Adds elegance and structure to entryway arrangements, tablescapes, or mantle designs.

Design Tips for Working with Myrtle

Use myrtle to frame or anchor bouquets with clean, upright greenery.

Tuck sprigs into garlands for subtle movement and shine.

Pair with wax flower or baby’s breath for a fresh, airy look.

Great for boutonnieres, stems are manageable and hold up well.

Combine with other evergreens in winter arrangements or use on its own in minimalist pieces.

Care Tips

Trim stems at a diagonal and hydrate in clean water before designing.

Store in a cool place and mist lightly to keep leaves fresh.

Avoid overhandling the leaves, as they can bruise under pressure.

If preserving, hang upside down in a dry, shaded area with good airflow.

Why Choose Myrtle?

Florists and designers turn to myrtle when they want:

A traditional, meaningful accent for weddings or romance-themed designs

Clean, structured greenery that complements both soft and bold florals

Greenery with a rich backstory and symbolic relevance

An elegant filler that adds polish without stealing the spotlight

Durable foliage that performs well in fresh and preserved forms

Final Thoughts

Myrtle is more than just beautiful greenery, it’s a botanical emblem of love, purity, and tradition. Its deep green, shiny leaves bring a refined look to arrangements while quietly carrying centuries of symbolic meaning. Whether you're crafting a wedding bouquet, building a formal centerpiece, or assembling a keepsake floral crown, myrtle lends a timeless touch that elevates the design both visually and emotionally.

Perfect for romantic events, meaningful ceremonies, and heartfelt gifts, myrtle is a must-have for florists looking to add elegance, sentiment, and structure to their creations. Choose myrtle for floral work that honors tradition and radiates quiet sophistication.