Ugni molinae 'Strawberries & Cream'

Chilean Guava 'Strawberries & Cream' Myrtaceae

A particularly handsome variegated selection of the Chilean guava, Ugni molinae, combining evergreen ornamental foliage with genuinely delicious fruit. This compact, densely branched shrub carries small, glossy green leaves neatly edged and irregularly splashed with creamy white, the young growth often flushed reddish-bronze. In late spring and summer, delicate, nodding, soft-pink to white bell-shaped flowers are produced, followed by aromatic red berries in late summer and autumn.

The fruits are small but remarkably flavoured, with the characteristic intense perfume of Ugni, combining strawberry, blueberry and guava-like flavours with a slightly resinous, myrtle-like finish. They are excellent eaten fresh from the plant and can also be used for jams, jellies, desserts, syrups and drinks. The species has a long history of fruit gathering in Chile, where it is known as murta or murtilla, and the berries have traditionally been eaten fresh or preserved.

‘Strawberries & Cream’ is a UK-bred selection, introduced to the specialist nursery trade for its combination of attractive cream-variegated foliage and edible fruit. The selection is particularly valuable where an edible plant is required to contribute ornamental interest throughout the year rather than simply producing a crop. Its relatively compact habit also makes it suitable for containers, mixed borders and sheltered edible hedging.

The name is an appropriately British description of its two principal attractions: creamy variegated foliage and fruit with a pronounced strawberry character. Unlike some variegated plants, it remains a useful fruiting shrub rather than being selected purely for foliage.

Best grown in a sheltered, sunny or lightly shaded position in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Protection from cold, drying winds is advisable, particularly in colder parts of Britain. In favourable conditions it can become a dense evergreen shrub, and regular light pruning after fruiting helps maintain a compact form.

Height: 1–1.5m
Spread: 1–1m
Flowering: May–July
Fruiting: August–October
Hardiness: RHS H4 (−10 to −5°C)
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
Origin: UK-bred selection

Edible: Aromatic red berries with a distinctive strawberry, blueberry and guava-like flavour, excellent fresh or used in preserves and desserts.