Another excellent Chilean myrtle that is not seen as often in North America as Luma apiculata but is a close relative of that plant and in many ways very similar. Often referred to as Luma blanca, or the White Chilean Myrtle, Luma chequen is grows in drier areas than Luma apiculata making it a bit more drought tolerant. White flowers and dark purple fruits taste similar to Luma apiculata and cold hardiness seems similar as well. Protect from those subfreezing winds.

For an instant Chilean garden try planting the White Chilean Myrtle with the Chilean Hazelnut and Chilean Wineberry!

Growing Info:

Latin Name: Luma chequen
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Self-rooted
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. 10° F, possibly lower when established
Bearing Age: 2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 15-20 ft. in height
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 5-6 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Chilean Myrtle is not bothered by pests and diseases.
USDA Zone: 8b

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Known in Chile as Arrayán or Palo Colorado, and often called by its genus name, “Luma”, here in North America. With its delicate and fragrant waxy foliage, contorted, muscular orange trunks, and peeling bark Chilean Myrtle Berry is one of the most gorgeous species in the myrtle family! It’s one of the first woody species to colonize an area after ground disturbance, along with Maqui berry, in southern Chile. Fast-growing, it can eventually reach 30 feet but can be kept a manageable size with pruning. Abundant white flowers are followed by deep purple myrtle berries perfect for fresh eating, jams, smoothies, or cheesecake.

While we’ve often seen seedlings of Luma apiculata available from other nurseries, the clone that we grow was selected at the North Willamette Research Station for its exceptional cold hardiness and large fruit. So far we’ve never even had a burnt branch tip while other plants around the region have died completely during hard frosts. This clone has proven itself hardy to at least 10ºF.

For an instant Chilean garden try planting the Chilean Myrtle Berry with the Chilean Hazelnut and Chilean Wineberry!

Growing Info:

Latin Name: Luma apiculata, syn. Myrtus luma
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Self-rooted
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. 10° F or lower when established
Bearing Age: 2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 15-30 ft. in height
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 5-6 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Chilean Myrtle is not bothered by pests and diseases.
USDA Zone: 8

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