Ugni molinae aka Chilean Guava

Ugni molinae is an evergreen shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its names include Chilean guava and strawberry myrtle. It comes from central and southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. There it grows along woodland edges and in scrub. Despite the name New Zealand cranberry, it is South American. It suits temperate gardens where winters are mild.

The shrub grows upright and forms a dense, leafy bush. RHS gives a garden height of 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. PFAF gives a taller height of about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Its spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. The small leaves feel leathery and stay on through winter. Their lasting cover makes this shrub useful in borders and hedges.

White, scented flowers hang down and have a bowl-like shape. Dark red berries follow, with a strong scent of their own. Sources give fruit widths of about 0.4–0.6 inches. The fruit tastes like wild strawberries, according to PFAF. Even small plants can bear plenty of berries. Eat them fresh or cook them into jam and desserts. The leaves provide a tea substitute. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute. PFAF lists no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It also lists no known medicinal uses.

Grow Chilean guava in sun or part shade. Give it moist soil that drains well. RHS lists clay, loam, sand and chalk as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Choose a site sheltered from cold, drying winds. RHS rates it H4; PFAF lists USDA zones 7–11. Outdoor plants suit mild areas and tolerate some frost. Elsewhere, RHS recommends a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Summer semi-ripe cuttings need heat from below to help them root.

Use this shrub in a small hedge, border or container. It tolerates trimming and suits sheltered courtyards and informal gardens. Flowers supply nectar and pollen that draw bees. Birds and small mammals eat the fruit. Dense foliage also gives wildlife shelter. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. PFAF does not flag it as weedy. Its edible crop and evergreen cover give it both food and garden value.