Myrtus chequen (White Chilean Myrtle)

A cousin of the better known Myrtus apiculata, and a little smaller. In a big garden, we’ll call this a shrub. In a smaller space, we can consider it a petite tree. It’s multi-branched and can reach around 5m in height so once it gets here it does have quite a presence. Just like its cousin, this one has really been fiddled with by taxonomists who should really go out and get a hobby.

For our purposes it’s Myrtus chequen, and that’ll do. This is a gorgeous little tree with a common name that’s reasonably accurate: they are indeed native to the Valdivian temperate rain forests of Chile and Argentina, and they do have splendid white blooms. Absolutely masses of them in early summer. Neat globular buds clothe entire stems, and the crisp petals pop open with puffy, fluffy little explosions of anthers which are followed by startling purple metallic-looking berries all burnished and shiny.

Evergreen and aromatic, with leaves that have been described as ‘raspberry-scented’. You can be the judge of that but we heartily suggest planting one (or a few) regardless of your nasal dexterity. A very pretty plant, and since it is found naturally in drier areas than ‘apiculata’ will be a little more drought resistant, too.

Best in full sun to partial shade, in well drained moist soil. In mild climates, they can tolerate coastal conditions.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.