Chilean guava (murta) Ugni molinae
Chilean guava (murta) (Ugni molinae) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Myrtaceae family, native to Southern Chile and Argentina. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Chilean guava (murta) in your garden →
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Chilean guava (murta) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries (strawberry-scented; murtilla liqueur, jam) |
| Native to | Southern Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Chilean guava (murta) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Chilean guava (murta)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Chilean guava (murta)
- How far apart should I plant Chilean guava (murta)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Chilean guava (murta) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chilean guava (murta) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chilean guava (murta)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Chilean guava (murta) flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chilean guava (murta) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Chilean guava (murta)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chilean guava (murta). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Said to have been Queen Victoria’s favourite fruit. Compact evergreen for a hedge or pot; sold in New Zealand as “New Zealand cranberry”.
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
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium