Photo of Luma chequen foliage, fruit by Pato Novoa

Photo by Pato Novoa

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Luma chequen

Also Known As

  • Myrtus chequen
  • Luma Blanca
  • White Chilean Myrtle

Plant type

tree, shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

  • H: 20'-25'
  • W: 10'-15'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

More Options

Luma chequen plant details

Luma chequen is a broadleaf evergreen fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Luma chequen

Plant type: fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 20 FT - 25 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Luma chequen

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

White Chilean Myrtle, also called Luma Blanca, is a closely related species to Luma apiculata. A close relative of the Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Luma Blanca is native to the central Andes between Chile and Argentina and grows to be a large shrub or small tree. Our selection has miniature leaves, which have been attributed to a southerly distribution in its native range. Evergreen, lanceolate foliage is a deep green, smothered in white, sweetly scented, creamy flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by blueberry sized, and colored, fruit that are edible. This is a very cool, very rare plant and could make a unique bonsai specimen for the open minded due to its unique diminutive foliage. Cold hardy to USDA zone 8a and above, or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Small tree to 20' or so. A native of Chile, this one was found near Vilches. Leaves are evergreen and slightly fragrant. White flowers in mid summer followed by purplish fruit -- said to be edible -- ripening in the fall. A nice small textured tree for sun, good drainage and regular summer water. Frost hardy to at least to the mid teens - mid USDA zone 8.
This evergreen small tree or large shrub from the Central Andes between Chile and Argentina has smaller leaves than L. apiculata, which exude a pleasing fragrance when crushed. I recently read that this fragrance was described as “raspberry” and, although I wouldn't have thought of that myself, it does seem rather like that—in any case it is very, well, nice. Pendulous white early summer flowers are followed by tasty edible fruit in the fall. The delicate texture of this species is attractive. Compared to L. apiculata the main appeal is that it grows in drier areas in the wild and thus ought to be more drought resistant in gardens, though its bark is not as exciting. It seems to be hardy to about 10-15 °F once established. To 25'.

Gardening facts about Luma chequen plant

How to Grow Luma chequen

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Fruit

    • purple
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved