Ugni molinae 'Elite'

Chilean Guava 'Elite' Myrtaceae

An exceptional fruiting selection of Chilean guava, Ugni molinae ‘Elite’ was selected for its remarkable ability to produce heavy crops even while still a very small plant. Deaflora, which has been distributing the selection for many years, reports that plants of only around 30cm tall can already be covered in fruit, while their original mother plant was particularly heavily laden. The selection is also noted for being unusually difficult to propagate, helping to explain its relative scarcity. 

A compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy, aromatic leaves, ‘Elite’ produces delicate white to pinkish bell-shaped flowers in late spring and summer, followed by numerous round, dark-red berries. The foliage has a distinctive strawberry-and-spice fragrance when crushed. 

The berries are edible and intensely aromatic, with the characteristic wild-strawberry and guava flavour of Ugni molinae. They are excellent eaten fresh and can be used for jams, jellies, desserts and drinks. The species itself has a long history of use in Chile, where its fruit is known as murta or murtilla.

‘Elite’ is particularly valuable for the small garden because it combines compact growth with exceptional precocity and fruitfulness. It can begin cropping at a remarkably young age, making it an excellent choice for containers as well as the edible border.

The original breeder or collector of ‘Elite’ is not documented in the sources I can find. Its European horticultural history appears to be associated particularly with specialist fruit growers and collections, with Deaflora having offered it for many years. 

Height: 1.25–2m
Spread: 1–1.5m
Flowering: May–July
Fruiting: September–November
Hardiness: Approximately RHS H4; best in a sheltered position
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
Origin: Horticultural selection; original provenance unrecorded

Edible: Abundant dark-red berries with an intensely aromatic wild-strawberry and guava flavour, excellent fresh or made into preserves and desserts.

Introduction: An established European selection, long cultivated by Deaflora, distinguished by its exceptional precocity and fruitfulness. Deaflora reports fruiting on plants as small as 30cm