Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

chilean guava hedge

A Chilean guava hedge (Myrtus ugni), also known as New Zealand Cranberry, is a brilliant choice for gardeners seeking a compact, productive, and attractive boundary in their garden. With glossy evergreen foliage, a compact growth habit, and charming pinkish-white flowers that turn into deliciously fragrant berries, Chilean guava hedging offers year-round appeal. This low-maintenance plant thrives across many New Zealand gardens, beloved for its versatility and subtle beauty. Whether you want to edge a path, create a soft screen, or harvest tasty fruit, a Chilean guava hedge brings practicality and ornamental value to your outdoor space.

Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava)

Chilean Guava, New Zealand Cranberry, Ugni Berry

Myrtus ugni, commonly known as the NZ Cranberry or Chilean Guava, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush foliage, pretty flowers, and colourful berries. It bears small, glossy, dark green leaves held densely on short stems. The real appeal of this plant is the masses of small, white flowers borne from summer through autumn, which result in red berries as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Myrtus ugni is commonly used as a hedge, incorporated into a mixed planting, grown in a container, featured in a cottage garden, or added to an edible garden.

A Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava) plant with small green leaves and red berries.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    1.50 m
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer, Autumn
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Myrtus communis plant with lush green leaves and masses of white flowers.
Most Popular

Myrtus communis

Myrtus communis, known as the Common Myrtle or NZ Myrtle, is a dense, evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant white flowers, glossy aromatic foliage...

Myrtus Glanleam Gold plant with variegated leaves.
Most Popular

Myrtus Glanleam Gold

Luma apiculata Glanleam Gold

Myrtus communis variegata shrub with variegated foliage.
Most Popular

Myrtus communis Variegata

Myrtus communis 'Variegata' is a variegated form of the Common Myrtle, and is an evergreen shrub grown for its flowers and foliage. This shrub...

hydrangea-serrata-blue-deckle-1
Most Popular

Hydrangea Blue Deckle

Hydrangea 'Blue Deckle' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea admired for its soft blue florets and finely serrated petal edges that lend a delicate...

From$29.63
hibiscus-syriacus-heidi-1
Most Popular

Hibiscus 'Heidi'

Hibiscus 'Heidi' is a vibrant flowering shrub that brings rich colour and tropical flair to New Zealand gardens. Its large showy blooms stand out...

From$26.93
Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.
Most Popular

Gardenia Frostproof

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$26.93
camellia-japonica-coronation-1
Most Popular

Camellia Coronation

Camellia Coronation produces masses of fragrant, semi-double, pure white flowers. These are produced from spring through early summer and are...

From$33.68
Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.
Most Popular

Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and...

From$28.28
Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Myrtus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava)

Why Choose Chilean Guava Hedge?

Compared to traditional hedge choices, the Chilean guava hedge stands out with its lush, aromatic foliage and unique berries. The leaves have a subtle spice, emitting a sweet scent when brushed. In late spring, the small flowers attract bees, while the late summer berry crop is perfect for snacking, jams, or desserts. If you're hoping for a hedge that combines visual charm with edible rewards, Chilean guava is a top contender.

The Chilean guava hedge tolerates trimming—a light prune in late summer keeps it dense and shapely. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade and copes admirably with coastal winds once established. This makes it an excellent alternative or companion to other hardy hedge plants, such as Myrtus communis, Myrtus Glanleam Gold, or Pittosporum Glo Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum).

Planting and Growing Tips

To grow a thriving Chilean guava hedge, choose a free-draining soil enriched with compost. Autumn and spring are ideal for planting. Space plants around 60 to 90cm apart for a dense, bushy screen. Water well during dry spells and mulch annually to preserve moisture and suppress weeds. The Chilean guava hedge is not fussy, but regular watering when young ensures strong, healthy growth. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant and requires little feeding.

If you’re comparing options, Ligustrum 'Lemon Lime and Clippers' offers a totally different look with bright foliage, while other Myrtus varieties like Myrtus communis Variegata provide colourful twists on the classic small-leafed hedge.

Design Ideas Using Chilean Guava Hedge

Thanks to its tidy growth and ornamental appeal, Chilean guava hedging is versatile in the landscape. Use it to edge pathways, define garden rooms, or create a gentle, fruiting privacy screen. It pairs well with flowering shrubs like Rhododendron Pawhuska or the fluffy white blooms of Hydrangea Kyushu for a multi-season display. For tighter spaces or mixed hedges, consider combining with Pittosporum Lighten Up (Black Matipo), which contrasts beautifully with the guava’s dense green leaves.

Edible and Ornamental Benefits

Besides its value as a hedge, Chilean guava’s autumn berries can be eaten fresh, or used in baking, jams, and drinks. Its lush, compact habit also makes it ideal for topiary, low screens, and container planting near patios.

If you’re looking to plant a chilean guava hedge, this delightful plant offers a perfect blend of good looks, easy care, and delicious harvests—truly a gem for New Zealand gardens.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Think you know our range? Alchemilla mollis and Aesculus Briotii are just the beginning — check out Fuchsia arborescens, Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani), and Gooseberry 'Invicta'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

433 Google reviews