James H. Schutte
Family
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name
FEIJOA sellowiana
Plant Common Name
Pineapple Guava
General Description
Pineapple guava is a large evergreen shrub grown as an ornamental and for fruit. It is native to the subtropical regions of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant is usually grown with multiple stems which arise close to the ground, though it can be pruned into a standard or small tree.
The leaves are leathery, elliptical to egg shaped, opposite each other on the stems, dark to olive green on the upper surface and silver from dense hairs on the lower surface. Flowers appear spring and summer in the leaf axils (the joint where the leaf meets the stem) near the ends of the branches. Edible flowers are fleshy with many scarlet to purple stamens and four cupped petals, white on the outside and rose to rusty colored inside. The oval to pear-shaped fruit is green, occasionally with a rosy blush. Fruit is best when left to mature on the shrub. If planting pineapple guavas for fruit production, choose a cultivar known for an abundance or high quality fruit such as ‘Coolidge’. Some cultivars are self-fertile, other require a pollinating variety planted close by.
A dependable, tough shrub, pineapple guava is tolerant of most soils as long as it is well drained. Full sun is best for flower and fruit production, but the shrub grows very well in part shade. Pineapple guava is also tolerant of temperatures, but prefers areas with cool nights and a few chilling hours, temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It is tolerant of temperatures below freezing for a few hours. Propagate Feijoa by seed or cutting; however grafting is best for reproducing known cultivars. Pest, drought and salt tolerant, pineapple guava is a good choice for home fruit orchards, screening hedges and accent plants.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
5'-15' / 1.5m - 4.6m
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Width
8'-20' / 2.4m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Pink, Rose
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Olive, Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Olive, Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Olive, Dark Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Olive, Dark Green, Silver
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
