Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) is a native South American plant that not only produces the delicious guava fruit but also serves as a strikingly beautiful shrub with dramatic flowers that will enhance any landscape πΈ. The edible flowers have a marshmallow-like taste and can be enjoyed like candy π¬. Pair them with berries or other fruits, add them to salads π₯, or use them to decorate cakes π for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
This evergreen shrub can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet with an equal spread in tropical climates but is often seen at 5-6 feet in warmer temperate zones, such as coastal regions of North Carolina. It thrives in a variety of environments, with a dense growth habit in cooler areas, where frost and cold may impact its tips, while in warmer climates, it tends to be more open and spreading πΏ.
The Pineapple Guava shrub is not just visually appealing but is also known for its unique characteristics. Itβs perfect for coastal landscapes thanks to its silvery leaves and vibrant flowers. π It is moderately salt-tolerant and can survive in sheltered locations, even in the lower elevations of the southeast. Guava can be grown as a dramatic container plant for patios or walkways, and it can be pruned to maintain its size and shape after flowering. Remarkably, these plants have been known to survive severe frost and grow back after being killed to the ground.
Various cultivars of Feijoa sellowiana are available, with some being chosen primarily for fruit production. Self-pollinating varieties like 'Coolidge', 'Nazemata', and 'Pineapple Gem' are excellent options. However, the 'Superba' cultivar, which produces round fruits, requires another cultivar for successful fruit set, while 'Variegata' features beautiful white variegated foliage πΏ. The most reliable method of propagating Guava is from seeds separated from ripe fruit, but cuttings taken in summer can also be rooted for specific cultivars.
This dramatic shrub offers year-round beauty with its silver evergreen foliage, making it a standout feature in any garden, whether or not it flowers π±. As the parent of the well-known tropical fruit, the Guava, this plant is a unique ornamental addition to any landscape and deserves more widespread use, especially in southeastern gardens π».
Pineapple Guava prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal fruit production, it requires consistent soil moisture, so be sure to water deeply and regularly π. Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture, adds nutrients, and protects its shallow roots. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil but is versatile enough to tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to heavy clay. While it blooms and bears fruit most heavily in full sun, it will still perform well in partial shade, although with slightly reduced flowering and fruit set πΈ.
Germination Tip: To enhance the chances of successful germination and speed up the process, soak the seeds in water for two weeks or boil them for five minutes before planting them in a pot filled with soilless seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with the mix, and watch them grow into beautiful, fruitful plants π±.