About
A slow-growing, half-hardy, dense and bushy evergreen shrub to 1.2m tall. In summer, mature plants produce open, cup-shaped white flowers with a prominent boss of stamens; these are followed by blackish-red berries. It is primarily grown for its small, glossy, oval leaves, which are flushed purple-red.
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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 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. In mild areas grow outdoors in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in partial shade
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