Hortiforum

General Info – Chilean Guava, Ugni, Ugniberry, Tazziberry, Strawberry Myrtle

A favourite fruit of Queen Victoria, the Chilean Guava or Ugni offers superbly flavored fruits on a compact, dynamic evergreen.
With their dense and compact form, Chilean Guava are well-suited to forming a low-lying hedge or shrub no more than one metre tall. Additionally, Chilean Guava plants are well-suited for container gardening and are rarely bothered by pests and diseases, with birds noted to be surprisingly uninterested, despite their attractive, bright red berries. A member of the Myrtaceae family together with Guava and Allspice, the glossy, dark green foliage of the plant are not atypical of the species but are distinct and attractive. Comparatively, however, the drooping, white, bell-shaped flowers are notably different to other Myrtaceae and are very similar in resemblance to Blueberry flowers, and other members of the Ericaceae family such as the Strawberry Tree.
Following flowering are vibrant red berries which ripen in Autumn. The mini Guavas are similar in size to a Blueberry, which ripen in late summer and early autumn, boasting a taste variably described as reminiscent of Blueberry, Strawberry, Guava, Pineapple and Mint. The fruits are not only delicious fresh but can also be transformed into jams and pastries, and in its native Southern Chile, they are traditionally used to make a liqueur.
The most noticeable and exciting feature of the Chilean Guava is its cold hardiness, tolerating temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and thriving in climates with year-round cool temperatures. Plants have been proven suitable for cultivation in climates such as coastal Southern England and Hobart, but also grow well in warm temperate climates like Sydney. Plants are hardy and low-maintenance, able to endure droughts once established, with minimal water requirements in temperate climates. They also prove tolerant to strong winds and moderate salt exposure. Soil requirements are undemanding, with plants able to tolerate most non-alkaline soils when provided reasonable drainage.
As an undemanding yet productive and attractive shrub, the Chilean Guava deserves a spot in any garden.

Plant Profile/Properties