About
In summer, mature plants produce open, cup-shaped white flowers with a prominent boss of stamens; these are followed by blackish-red berries. A half-hardy, rounded, evergreen shrub to 2m tall, primarily grown for its foliage. The small, glossy oval leaves are flushed purple and blistered between the veins.
About the genus
Lophomyrtus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple, leathery leaves, four-petaled flowers with prominent stamens and purple-black to red berries
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Chalk, Clay, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. During the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with the protection of a warm wall
PruningSee pruning group 1; may require restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free