About
This compact, dwarf, evergreen shrub to about 50cm, with small, rounded, leathery leaves that open dark purple, becoming bronze-green with dark red veins, then dark red in winter. Mature plants produce small, white, scented, cup-shaped flowers with a mass of stamens in late summer, followed by black berries.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. In mild areas grow outdoors in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationRoot semi-ripe heel cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free