Ugni molinae ‘Magnus Bacchus’

'Chilean Guava'. A recently selected large-fruiting form of this little myrtle, which inhabits woodland and scrub in S. Chile and is fairly hardy here, forming an erect evergreen shrub to about 1.5m high, with small leathery leaves and particularly pretty, waxy, soft-pink fragrant bell-shaped flowers in summer followed by delicious mahogany-red fruit, tasting like sweets. In cold Northern areas and cold frost pockets this needs wall protection or a sheltered corner, though is worth every effort as the fruit are so good! Apparently Queen Victoria's favourite fruit.