Punchberry
Myrcia splendens · Myrtaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around punchberry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Blooming
- Spring to summer (white or pink flowers)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, frost-sensitive (min. 10°C)
- Origin
- South America (Brazil, Guyana)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season without creating waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. Prefer non-calcareous water if possible, as this plant enjoys slightly acidic conditions.
Light
Place Myrcia splendens in bright indirect light or partial sun. Too much shade will slow down flowering. In warm climates, light afternoon shade prevents leaf burn.
Soil
Use a light, well-drained substrate rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, peat and perlite works very well. Be sure to avoid water accumulation which promotes root rot.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer in spring and summer, every 3 to 4 weeks. Reduce feeding in autumn-winter when growth slows down.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or diseased branches. Regular pruning promotes a fuller habit and branching.
Diseases and pests
Watch for scale insects and spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Adequate humidity makes the plant more resistant.
Did you know?
Myrcia splendens, called "goiabeira-braba" or "mirta" depending on the region of Brazil, belongs to the large Myrtaceae family which produces many renowned edible fruits. The genus Myrcia comprises over 260 recognized species in tropical America, and several of them are used in South American traditional medicine for their aromatic and antiseptic properties.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue gumEucalyptus globulus
- MyrtleMyrtus communis
- MānukaLeptospermum scoparium
- Strawberry guavaPsidium cattleianum
- Snow gumEucalyptus pauciflora
- Woolly TeatreeLeptospermum lanigerum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.