Elaeocarpus reticulatus

Flowers of Elaeocarpus reticulatus

The so-called blueberry ash is an attractive, slender-growing, Australian native rainforest tree that grows to about 7-9 m tall. It has thick, shiny leaves. Dainty, bell-shaped, fragrant, white flowers (pink in the cultivar 'Prima Donna') appear from late spring to summer, followed by rounded, deep blue fruit, which ripen from autumn to winter.

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna

It can be grown as a hedge, as it clips well. It can also be grown in a large container. It can be kept pruned as a large shrub to 3 m. It grows in sun or dappled shade and likes fertile, moist yet well-drained soil. It likes plenty of moisture during the growing season. Propagation is by seed. The blueberry ash can handle light frost but does better in frost-free areas.