Overview
Eugenia nutans is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Eugenia, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves foliage. Eugenia nutans grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include hedges, topiaries and ornamental plantings.
About
Eugenia nutans, commonly known as red guava, is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It features evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves and thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil that is consistently moist and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for hedges, topiaries, and ornamental plantings, it is hardy to UK zone H1b and is best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or air layering. Its seasons of interest are spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eugenia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Consistently moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Eugenia nutans size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, topiaries, ornamental plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eugenia nutans
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, air layering
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to Eugenia psyllid, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies
- Disease resistance
- Prone to leaf spot, root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Eugenia nutans?
Eugenia nutans prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Eugenia nutans need?
Eugenia nutans grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays consistently moist to well-drained.
Is Eugenia nutans hardy in the UK?
Eugenia nutans has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Eugenia nutans?
Semi-ripe cuttings, air layering.
