About
A small evergreen tree to about 8m tall, from the temperate forests of central Chile. Produces large, scented, white myrtle-like flowers with long stamens, during early to midsummer followed by red fruit. Very rare in cultivation with attractive reddish-brown, peeling bark and aromatic, leathery, dark green leaves to 3cm long, deep red as they emerge.
About the genus
A genus of one known species of small, evergreen tree with leathery dark green aromatic leaves and large, white, myrtle-like flowers with long stamens in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Best grown with the protection of a warm wall, or overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory
PruningPruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free