Chilean Myrtle

Chilean Myrtle (Luma apiculata) is a slow-growing South American tree that reaches about 10m tall and 8m wide, but only over many years. It carries white cup-shaped flowers in early summer, followed by purple-black berries, on a canopy of dark, aromatic leaves above rusty tan bark. Handsome in every season and very long lived, it is a tree you plant once.

Why you'll love it

• Interest in every season. White flowers in summer, dark berries after, aromatic dark green leaves all year and rusty tan bark underneath.
• Edible berries. The purple-black fruit is edible and used as bushtucker.
• Slow and manageable. Slow growth means it stays a workable size for years, and it suits bonsai as well as backyards.
• Good for honey bees. The flowers are used for honey production, so a tree in bloom hums in early summer.
• Not fussy. It grows happily in clay and most good garden soils, and it is drought tolerant once established.

Where it works best

Feature and backyard tree. Plant a single tree with at least 4m clear of fences and buildings. Its slow growth makes it easy to place.

Street tree. Its slow, tidy growth suits a verge or street planting, where it gives shade and seasonal flowers without quickly outgrowing its space.

Sensory gardens. Aromatic leaves, white flowers and edible fruit make it a natural for gardens built for touch, smell and taste.

Growing Chilean Myrtle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. It is adaptable and seems happy in most climates, from subtropical to cool temperate and Mediterranean.

Soil. Any good, well-drained garden soil. It copes well with clay.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks, then during dry periods until a trunk has developed. After that it is drought tolerant. Feed with a slow release fertiliser twice a year.

Pruning. Prune in autumn for prolific summer flowers and a dense habit. Or deadhead after the first flowers to keep an elegant shape and encourage a second flush.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Chilean Myrtle as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly), in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Because the tree is slow, a bigger plant saves years. The 200mm pots in packs of 6 give a head start, the 140mm pots in packs of 10 suit a row or screen, and tube stock is the patient, low cost option. Plant out soon after arrival and water in well.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower, and supply comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, so press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Feature trees for the garden
• Slow growing trees
• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Lilly pillies, close relatives in the myrtle family

Common questions

How big will it get, and how fast?

Eventually about 10m tall and 8m wide, but it is slow, so expect decades rather than years. Pruning keeps it smaller if you need to.

Can I eat the berries?

Yes. The purple-black berries are edible and used as bushtucker. Pick them when fully ripe and dark.

Will it suit a small garden?

Its slow growth and tolerance of pruning help, and it is even grown as bonsai. Left alone, though, it will reach 10m, so for a very small garden choose something smaller.