Ugni molinae


Common name(s): Chilean guava, strawberry myrtle


Description: evergreen shrub; native to, you guessed it, Chile. Produces fragrant white bell flowers in summer followed by small, yet delicious dark red berries. It was one of Queen Victoria's favorite fruits and she is largely to thank for its prevalence in British and Western gardening. Self-fertile but may yield more fruit with multiple plants.


Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil


Uses: culinary- preserves, sauces, fruit salads, etc.


Winter Hardiness: to 10 F and below

Care: no special care needed, can be pruned to shape

Notes: first cultivated in Western gardens around 1851 when specimens were brought to England by William Lobb and introduced to the plant trade by Messrs. Veitch and Son of Exeter under its original name Myrtus ugni