Boldo Peumus boldus
Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Monimiaceae family, native to Central Chile (endemic; matorral). It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Boldo in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Boldo at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Monimiaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (herbal tea; small amounts), small sweet fruits |
| Native to | Central Chile (endemic; matorral) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile |
Is Boldo toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves
Leaf oil contains ascaridole; long-term use has been linked to liver injury.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Boldo
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Boldo
- How far apart should I plant Boldo?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Boldo need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Boldo need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Boldo?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Boldo flower?
- From about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Boldo poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Leaf oil contains ascaridole; long-term use has been linked to liver injury.
- What grows well with Boldo?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Boldo. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Aromatic rough leaves; a common tea in Chile. Male and female trees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula