About

Amomyrtus luma is a sizable shrub or multi-stemmed tree characterized by its distinctive, peeling bark and fragrant, evergreen leaves. In spring, it produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers featuring five petals and elongated stamens. These flowers give way to edible berries that start off red and eventually ripen to black.

About the genus

Amomyrtus consists of evergreen shrubs or minor trees characterized by their aromatic foliage and small, fragrant flowers that are bowl-shaped with five petals, blooming in the spring.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Chile
Fragrance
Flower, Foliage, Fruit

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position sheltered from cold, drying wind
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings rooted with gentle bottom heat in late summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free