Ugni molinae

RHS Plant Profile

Chilean guava

Other common names

strawberry myrtle

Synonyms

Eugenia ugni
Myrtus ugni

Fruit Edible Shrubs

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forms a bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with small, leathery leaves. The nodding, bowl-shaped, white flowers are fragrant, and followed by aromatic, edible, dark red berries 1cm across

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Fruit

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Ugni are densely leafy evergreen shrubs or trees. The small, oval, leathery leaves are arranged in pairs. The cup- or bowl-shaped flowers on young shoots are followed by edible, round berries
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Chile, Argentina

How to Grow

Cultivation

May be grown outdoors in mild areas where it will tolerate a few degrees of frost if sheltered from cold drying winds. Otherwise grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
City and courtyard gardens
Patio and container plants
Wall side borders
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free