Luma apiculata
Arrayan, Palo colorado, Temu, Collimamol, Myrtle
Also known as Myrtus luma, Myrtus apiculata
- Height × spread
- 4m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This very beautiful plant has small, glossy, oval leaves held opposite each other on red-brown shoots. There are pretty, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers, followed by dark-purple fruits. This can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. As a tree it can reach 20m (65ft). The bark is orange-red and quite striking. This myrtle is not hardy so it needs a sheltered site. It does thrive in southern and western parts of Ireland and Britain.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Gold, Red
- Fruit colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 3m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Deer
- May be nibbled by deer
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.