Shrubs

Surinam Cherry 'Etna Fire'

Eugenia uniflora etna fire

Also known as: Eugenia Etna Fire

Eugenia uniflora 'Etna Fire' is an evergreen shrub with dense foliage and red edible fruits. Suitable for hedging and ornamental use in Mediterranean climates.

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Attributes

Min. temperature

-3 °C

Edible fruits Evergreen Good for hedging

Care guide

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Height

2–4 m

Hardiness

Medium

Flowering

Spring–summer

Foliage

Evergreen

In Cyprus

This Eugenia is an evergreen shrub of the species Eugenia uniflora (Surinam cherry), for sunny positions. The species grows in most soils but prefers soil that stays consistently moist, so in a dry Cypriot summer ‘moderate watering’ is not enough of a rule: water regularly according to soil moisture and weather, especially during the first summers and while it is flowering and setting fruit. We have no documented cold-hardiness data for this particular clone; in frost-prone areas, suitability depends on the local microclimate, and there spring planting, once the risk of cold has passed, is the safer choice.

Uses in gardens and projects

Dense, glossy evergreen foliage with bronze new growth makes it a good choice for hedges and screens in private gardens, courtyards and hotel grounds, or as a stand-alone ornamental shrub. The fully ripe fruits of E. uniflora are edible; the seeds are removed and not eaten. Frequent hedge trimming can reduce fruiting, so where fruit matters, prune more lightly.

Frequently asked questions

Are the fruits edible?: The fully ripe fruits of Eugenia uniflora are edible; remove the seeds, which are not eaten. Picked underripe, the fruit tastes resinous.
Can it be used as a hedge?: Yes, the species is used for hedging and screening. Frequent clipping, however, can cut down the fruit crop.
How tall does this Eugenia grow?: The species can become a large shrub or small tree. We have no confirmed mature height for this particular clone; as a hedge it is kept at the height you want by pruning.
Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers consistently moist soil. Through a Cypriot summer water it regularly according to soil moisture and weather, especially in the first years and while fruiting.