One of the toughest little shrubs for planting in the garden or pots is Midgen Berry, also known as Austromyrtus. This small, native, evergreen shrub grows approximately one metre high by one metre wide. Being native to Eastern Australia it grows easily here in the South Burnett. It is no surprise to me that this tough little shrub is gaining popularity among gardeners for its attractive foliage, delicate flowers and edible fruit.
There are a couple of forms of Midgen Berry. The first is Austromyrtus Dulcis having dark and leathery, shiny green foliage. The other form is Austromyrtus Tenuifolia with a much thinnner, softer and finer leaf. We grow the “Coppertops” variety, a cross of the two forms in our front paddock. It has a lovely soft copper colouring along the outer edges of the branches. It’s easy to appreciate the fragrant, star shaped white flowers followed by the small, purple/grey speckled berries.
It’s a bit hard to describe the flavour. Perhaps a sweet and tangy flavour with a hint of something is the best description I can think of. The berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy fruit to enjoy from the garden. The “Coppertops” and “Dulcis” adorn white flowers while a Dulcis variety called “Blush” has pink flowers, just a nice variation other than white.
While Midgen Berry is generally grown for its edible fruit, I find it’s also a lovely soft foliaged plant attractive to bees and other pollinators. The shrub is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil but can also tolerate partial shade. Our plants in the paddock are in full sun and the two planted here in our nursery garden are in partial shade. In our experience with the previous dry, frosty winters this plant is definitely drought tolerant surviving well in our usually up until recently, low rainfall area.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings; ours are cutting grown which is the more common method. Midgen Berry can be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and size. It has good pest and disease resistance making it easy to care for. In this part of Queensland we certainly need plants that are tough ensuring successful gardening.
Here on our farm, we find that Midgen Berry is definitely worth growing. The attractive foliage, delicate flowers and edible fruit has been the reasoning for this plant to gain popularity among people. In my mind, it’s a wonderful, native and valuable fruiting shrub.
“Happy Gardening” everyone. Kind regards, Romaine (RAMESA Nursery)