About

Feijoa sellowiana, the pineapple guava, is an evergreen shrub with attractive, silvery-green leaves densely white-felted on the underside. In summer, eye-catching flowers with thick, white-backed red petals and a prominent boss of red stamens appear in the leaf axils � the petals are edible with a sweet, marshmallow-like flavour. Occasionally followed by edible, red-flushed, green fruits tasting of strawberry, guava and pineapple. An ornamental and productive plant for a mild, sheltered garden.

About the genus

Feijoa sellowiana, the pineapple guava, is an evergreen shrub grown both for ornament and for its fragrant, edible fruits. It produces distinctive flowers with thick white petals and red stamens and aromatic fruits tasting of strawberry, guava and pineapple. Hardy in sheltered mild gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toBrazil, Argentina

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered site
PruningNo pruning necessary but pruning group 8 to remove any winter damaged growth in late spring
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-16°C (55-61°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceUsually pest-free
Disease resistanceUsually disease free