Luma apiculata
Arrayan, Palo colorado, Temu, Collimamol, Myrtle
Also known as Myrtus luma
- Height × spread
- 2m – 4m × 1.5m – 3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A highly regarded shrub, often seen in its appealing cultivars, the most notable of which is 'Glanleam Gold' with small leaves variegated in gold and green. Mature forms of Luma develop orange or cinnamon coloured bark that will peel, revealing white shades. Luma apiculata flowers in late summer and autumn. The flowers are small and rather intense, coloured white and shiny-looking with masses of short stamens that overwhelm the surrounding petals. In the warmest places the flowers may be followed by fruit that is edible. There are a number of cultivars which may occasionally be available.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 2m – 4m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural
- Hazards
- No
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.