Chilean Cranberry Myrtle

Chilean Cranberry Myrtle

A supremely cute ground cover from Tierra del Fuego in Southern Chile, the Chilean Cranberry Myrtle or Myrteola nummularifolia is not really a true cranberry but a relative of Chilean Guava that grows as a ground cover and can tolerate, and in hot climates even requires, a bit of shade. Leaves are tiny, aromatic and look oh so elegant on the wiry stems. Little white flowers in summer are followed by white and pink blushed delicious Chilean Guava-like berries. The perfect fruiting ground cover beneath a fruit tree and sure to be a great addition to food forest designs. We can’t stop planting this one anywhere we see a patch of open ground! Keep well watered through the summer if you live in a dry summer climate.

Latin Name: Myrteola nummularifolia
Site and Soil: Likes 1/2 day to full sun in cooler regions, partial shade in hot regions, and well-drained, acidic soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to at least 10º F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 6″ tall by 3-4 ft. wide
Bloom Time: July-August
Ripening Time: September-October
Yield: 1-2 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Chilean Cranberry is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 8 for sure, possibly 7 (or lower?) but we haven’t had the chance to test it, though it can get pretty cold down there at the tip of South America where it’s from.