About

A large evergreen shrub, the older branches with a cinnamon- and cream-coloured bark. Leaves small, broadly ovate and aromatic; flowers to 2cm in width, white; berry purple.

About the genus

Luma are evergreen shrubs or small trees, some with attractive bark, with simple, entire, aromatic leaves and 4- or 5-petalled, bowl-shaped white flowers, followed by fleshy fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toChile, Argentina
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but should be treated with caution in gardens where honey fungus is known to occur