Chilean Wineberry Plant Care

Chilean Wineberry (Aristotelia chilensis) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family within the Aristotelia genus. Chilean Wineberry is native to South America in the Valdivian temperate forests of Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. Chilean Wineberry is also known as Aristotelia.

Chilean Wineberry displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Chilean Wineberry produces small, white to pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Wineberry every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Wineberry thrives in partial to full sun.

Aristotelia chilensis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chilean Wineberry prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Wineberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Wineberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Wineberry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chilean Wineberry can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean Wineberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chilean Wineberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Wineberry can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain fivefinger plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean Wineberry is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chilean Wineberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean Wineberry is native to South America in the Valdivian temperate forests of Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Wineberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.