Luma Apiculata or Myrtus Luma or Temu

Botanical Name: Luma apiculata
Common Names: Temu or Luma
Synonym: Myrtus Luma

Luma apiculata, commonly known as Temu or simply Luma, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its distinctive bark, aromatic foliage, and clusters of starry white flowers. Native to the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina, this elegant myrtle relative brings both ornamental beauty and structural interest to the garden year-round. With its cinnamon coloured bark and purple berries, Luma apiculata is a standout choice for gardeners seeking something both attractive and unusual.

Luma apiculata is a large, slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with a naturally upright, multi-stemmed habit. One of its most admired features is its smooth, peeling bark—revealing a striking patchwork of cinnamon, silver-grey and creamy white hues on older branches. 

The small, aromatic, broadly ovate leaves are glossy dark green and remain on the plant all year, releasing a pleasant scent when crushed. In early to midsummer, the plant bears an abundance of small, white, myrtle-like flowers, around 2 cm wide, with a fine brush of stamens that attract pollinators. These are followed by edible, deep purple berries in autumn, which are enjoyed by birds and occasionally used in preserves in its native lands.

Height and Width of Luma Apiculata:
Under ideal conditions, Luma apiculata can reach an eventual height of 6 to 8 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres. However, it is slow-growing and responds well to pruning, making it manageable for smaller gardens or shaped into a large multi-stemmed specimen. It is also suitable for training as a small ornamental tree.

How Hardy is Luma Apiculata?
Despite its subtropical origins, Luma apiculata is surprisingly hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -10°C once established. It performs best in mild, sheltered gardens in the UK, especially in coastal or southern regions. In colder inland areas, protection from harsh winds and deep frosts is recommended, particularly for young plants.

Uses in Garden and Landscape
Luma apiculata makes a superb specimen shrub or focal tree in a lawn or mixed border. Its evergreen foliage and decorative bark provide structure and interest throughout the seasons. It also works well in courtyard gardens or as part of a naturalistic planting scheme, and it can be incorporated into informal hedging or screens. The plant’s tolerance for pruning means it may also be trained as a small standard tree or maintained at shrub height.

Care Tips:
Position: Prefers full sun or partial shade in a sheltered location.
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid very dry or chalky conditions.
Watering: Water regularly during dry spells while establishing. Mature plants are reasonably drought tolerant.
Pruning: Prune in spring to shape or restrict size. Remove any dead or crossing branches to promote airflow.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

With its scented leaves, attractive flowers, ornamental fruit, and standout bark, Luma Apiculata, or Temu, offers multiple layers of interest. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this elegant evergreen brings year-round charm and is well worth a place in both traditional and contemporary gardens.