Eugenia myrtifolia (Eugenia, Brush Cherry, Magenta Cherry, Magenta Lilly Pilly)
Botanical Information
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Eugenia |
| Species | myrtifolia |
| Synonyms | Syzygium paniculatum, Eugenia paniculata |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | New South Wales, Australia |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Fruit are sometimes used as a base in jams and jellies. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 11 - 12 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1b - H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 5 - 15 |
| Temperature (°F) | 41 - 59 |
| Height | 1.5 - 2.4 m |
| Spread | 1.2 - 18.8 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Evergreen shrub grown for the dense foliage and unique flowers. |
| ID Characteristic | Flowers that are “frilly” in appearance. |
| Landscape | Used as potted plant indoors, and outdoors on a porch or patio. Beautiful when used as a pair on either side of an entrance. Can be trimmed for use as a formal hedge or privacy screen. |
| Propagation | By seed and cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in full sun to partial shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Protect from winds. Trim freely to maintain shape. |
| Pests | Scale, mealy bugs, Caribbean fruit fly, aphids, and spider mites. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Rainforests. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves are 3 - 9 cm long, opposite, simple and slightly obovate, tapering at the leaf base. |
| Flower Description | Flowers are “frilly” in appearance, growing in clusters. |
| Fruit Description | Fruit are cherry-like. |
| Colour Description | Foliage is medium to dark green, with new growth being a red to pink colour. Flowers are white. Fruit is usually deep red or magenta but can be white, pink, or purple. |
| Texture Description | Glossy foliage. |
Photographs
Eugenia myrtifolia, form.
Eugenia myrtifolia, leaf.