Ugni molinae

The Chilean guava, Ugni molinae, is a popular fruit in markets in Chile but little-known here. The plant is a rounded to columnar, evergreen shrub with small, dark green, shiny foliage. The fragrant late spring flowers are pendulous bells in pale pink and white with pinkish red sepals. The fruit, which forms in summer and fall, is ruby red with a kind of strawberry and pine flavour in the most delicious sort of way. Plant in a protected situation in coastal BC. In colder climates grow in a greenhouse or sunny, cool room in the winter. Photo: Wikipedia.

Chilean Guava, commonly known as Strawberry Myrtle, Murta, or Murtilla, is a fruit producing shrub native to the Andes of Southern Chile and Argentina. Staying compact, Chilean Guava usually grows no larger than 6 feet in height and width and responds very well to hedging. The fruit is edible and delicious; purported to be Queen Victoria’s favorite fruit after it was introduced to England in the 19th century. In its native land, the fruit is valued fresh, in jams, and in the traditional liqueur Murtado. Evergreen, lanceolate foliage is a deep green, adorned by white, pendulous flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by blueberry sized fruit that with an intense flavor like strawberry and watermelon with an aromatic quality. This is a must have plant for the sheltered garden, consistent moisture is appreciated. Cold hardy to USDA zone 8a and above, or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Zn 8. Fragrant bell-shaped flowerd.Evergreen shrub

This evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family occurs across much of central and southern Chile, where it is quite common in some areas. Although thicket-forming in the wild, it is quite well-behaved in cultivation, forming an appealing 3' x 3' shrub in sun or partial shade. Its virtues include bronzy-red new growth, “cute” flowers and quite tasty dark fruits that can be eaten raw or used in jams and such. Hardiness varies from about 10-15 °F: good drainage seems to make a difference. South America

Are you weary of common hedges? Let me introduce you to Ugni molinae, a must-have plant of myriad virtues! Handsome, densely leafy & forest green foliage with bronzy new growth sets the stage for exquisitely fragrant tiny white bell shaped flowers in Spring. These mature to deep red fruits that are beautiful & uniquely tasty. When picked early they have a bit of a pine flavor (still good!) but allow them to stay on the bush into Fall & they become even more delicious & strawberry-esque. Reportedly, the fruit was Queen Victoria’s favorite & makes a divine jam. Grows from 1-6’ tall & 1-3’ wide – pruning will decide its ultimate shape, so really it’s up to you. Not the fastest grower, but beautiful even while small & totally pest free. Easy in a large container, or as in informal (or even formal!) hedge. The leaves are also used as tea & roasted seeds can be used as a coffee substitute.