Strawberry Myrtle

Strawberry Myrtle (Ugni molinae) is a small evergreen shrub from Chile, grown for its berries and its neat habit. It reaches 1m to 2m high and wide, carries white bell-like flowers in summer and ripens small, dark red berries in autumn. The fruit is said to taste of strawberry, and because it travels poorly and is almost impossible to buy, growing your own is the way to try it.

Why you'll love it

• Fruit you cannot easily buy. The berries look like small blueberries and are reputed to taste of strawberry, a good project for a grow-your-own gardener.
• Dainty bell flowers. White, bell-like blooms hang from the branches in summer, before the fruit follows.
• A neat evergreen shape. At 1m to 2m it suits a small orchard or edible bed, and the foliage stays green all year.
• Berries for people and birds. The dark red autumn fruit adds colour, and there is enough to share with the birds.
• Very cold hardy. It thrives in Tasmania, in the Chilean highlands and in northern England, so frost is no worry.

Where it works best

Edible gardens and small orchards. Plant 1.5m apart as a berry shrub among other fruit and vegetables. It sits well beside blueberries and other plants that enjoy cool, moist conditions.

Damp, shady corners. It does best in damp shade, a position where many fruiting plants struggle. A spot on the south side of the house or beneath tall trees can work well.

Wildlife and autumn colour. Leave some berries on the bush for the birds. The dark red fruit lights up the garden in autumn.

Growing Strawberry Myrtle in Australia

Position and climate. Damp shade gives the best results. It will grow in brighter light if you water it more. It is cold hardy, so it suits Tasmania, Victoria, the tablelands and other cool districts. Warmer gardens can try it in shade with extra water.

Soil. Plant in moist, humus rich soil, and mulch to keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Water regularly, and more often if it sits in bright sun, which dries the soil faster. Feeding is optional.

Pruning. Pruning is not necessary, but a light trim after fruiting will encourage new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Strawberry Myrtle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and green, with no fruit yet, so plant it in a shaded, moist spot and give it time to grow into a shrub.

The tubes come from our grower, and stock is not constant. When the grower has none the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is available again.

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

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Laying out the edible backyard
• Bird attracting plants
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

When do the berries ripen?

White flowers open in summer, and the small dark red berries follow in autumn.

Does it need frost protection?

No. It is cold hardy and thrives in Tasmania, the Chilean highlands and northern England, so winter is rarely a problem.

Can I plant it in full sun?

Yes, but it prefers damp shade. In bright sun it needs more water, so check the soil often in summer.