Amomyrtus luma

RHS Plant Profile
Chilean myrtle

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Chilean myrtle RHS / Joanna Kossak
Chilean myrtle RHS / Joanna Kossak

Other common names

cauchao, luma, pale madrono, palo madrono

Synonyms

Myrtus lechleriana

Shrubs Trees
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A large shrub or multi-stemmed tree with attractive, flaking bark and aromatic, evergreen foliage. Clusters of small, fragrant, five-petalled flowers with long stamens are produced in spring, followed by edible, aromatic berries, red at first turning black

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–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)
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage Fruit
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Amomyrtus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with aromatic leaves and small, fragrant, bowl-shaped, five-petalled flowers in spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position sheltered from cold, drying wind

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings rooted with gentle bottom heat in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free