Ugni sp. aff. molinae [Jim Gerdemann form]

Also Known As

Strawberry Myrtle

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 2'-12'
W: 2'-10'

planting zones

8b-10b

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Ugni sp. aff. molinae [Jim Gerdemann form] plant details

Ugni sp. aff. molinae [Jim Gerdemann form] is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer cream, pink and white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ugni sp. aff. molinae [Jim Gerdemann form]

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 10 FT - wide, 2 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: cream, pink and white blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ugni sp. aff. molinae [Jim Gerdemann form]

USDA Zones: 8b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Another intriguing plant shared with us by the late Jim Gerdemann - he couldn't remember exactly what this was or where he got it. All the more reason to take cuttings of it, I thought! In his garden it was a small, open, 12' tree, and reminded me of some of the other Chilean Myrtaceae like Luma or Amomyrtus. Interestingly its growth habit for me so far is decidedly shrubby, and no taller than 2 - 3', and it may be that it was only treelike in the Gerdemann Garden because of their magical perfect climate. Having observed it for several years, I'm now quite certain it is another form of Ugni molinae, its leaves being rounded rather than pointed, and less bronzy than the usual form of U. molinae I've seen in cultivation. It is also more apt to sucker from the base, another characteristic of U. molinae. The cute flowers and edible berries are both a match for U. molinae as far as I can tell. It is top hardy to about 15 °F.