Midyim/Midgen Berry - Austromyrtus dulcis

Austromyrtus dulcis is one of Australia's most charming native shrubs, and one that genuinely earns its place in any garden. In spring, the new growth flushes a soft, warm pink before maturing to rich green, giving the plant a seasonal colour display that many ornamentals would envy. White flowers follow through summer, and then come the berries: small, speckled, and sweet with a distinctive aromatic flavour that is entirely unique to this plant. They can be eaten straight from the bush, used to make jam, or simply left for the birds that are reliably drawn to them.

Low growing and spreading, 'Midyim Berry' reaches approximately 50cm tall and 80cm wide, forming a dense, tidy mound that works beautifully as an informal hedge, border edging, groundcover, or container plant. It is highly adaptable, tolerating full sun through to semi shade, clay, loam and sandy soils, and is highly frost hardy, making it one of the more versatile native shrubs for Melbourne gardens and cooler climates across Australia.

As a bush tucker plant with genuine ornamental appeal, bird-attracting qualities, and low maintenance requirements, Midyim Berry is a rare triple threat. Give it a low phosphorus fertiliser, keep it mulched and moist during dry periods, and it will reward you with years of seasonal interest, edible fruit, and wildlife activity with very little effort in return.

Key Features:

• Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam and sandy soils; good drainage preferred, mulch well to retain moisture.
• Light: ull sun to semi shade; performs well in both positions, making it one of the more versatile native shrubs for mixed plantings.
• Watering: Keep moist during dry periods; moderate drought tolerance once established, mulching significantly reduces watering needs.
• Fertiliser: Low phosphorus slow-release fertiliser only; use a formulation specifically designed for Australian natives or Myrtaceae to avoid root damage.
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance; trim lightly after fruiting if shaping is required, otherwise leave undisturbed to maintain its natural spreading form.
• Flowering: Summer; preceded by attractive pink new foliage growth in spring, followed by edible berries after flowering.

The edible berries of Midyim Berry are best harvested when fully ripe, indicated by a speckled white and grey colouring. At this stage they are sweet, aromatic, and unlike anything else in the native edible garden. If you are growing for fruit production, a full sun position will give the best berry set. In semi shade the plant will still perform well ornamentally but fruit production may be reduced.

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