Elaeocarpus reticulatus aka Blueberry Ash

Elaeocarpus reticulatus, or blueberry ash, is an evergreen Australian tree. It belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. The RHS lists Elaeocarpus cyaneus as a synonym. Its native range includes Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. It grows in forest gullies and wooded ranges, often near the coast. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree can reach about 39 feet (12 metres) in height. Its spread can also reach about 39 feet (12 metres). It keeps its leaves through the year. Each flower has both male and female organs. The dark blue fruit measures around 0.3–0.4 inches across. The fruit is edible, though the source gives little detail about its use. Plants For A Future gives it a low food-use rating. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets.

Choose fertile soil with plenty of humus and good drainage. The tree prefers moist ground rather than a dry site. Reports differ slightly on its soil needs. Some call for lime-free soil, while others allow neutral conditions. Acid soil is suitable, including very acid soil. It can grow in sand, loam or clay. Full sun and partial shade both suit it. Suggested settings include woodland gardens, sunny woodland edges and dappled shade.

Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Reports from Australian gardens describe survival at about 19°F (−7°C). That limit may not hold in Britain’s cooler, wetter winters. British summers also provide less warmth than Australian summers. Outdoor growing is reported in Britain’s mildest gardens. A sheltered site beside a south-facing or southwest-facing wall may help. Its evergreen form offers year-round structure where the climate suits it. The close-grained, fairly hard wood has uses in cabinets and joinery.

Seed and cuttings offer two ways to raise new plants. Sow seed in a greenhouse in spring. Germination may take two years or longer. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Keep them under glass through at least their first winter. Plant out after the last expected frost in late spring or early summer. Take almost-ripe shoot cuttings in August or September. Keep their leaves attached and use sandy soil in a frame.