About
An evergreen, small tree or multi-stemmed shrub around 7m tall in its native habitat but usually growing 2-4m tall in cultivation. It has grey to reddish-brown bark that peels readily, cylindrical branchlets and oval, glossy, dark green leaves 4-12cm long; young leaves emerge a bronze-red colour. Small, perfumed, white flowers borne in leaf axils in spring are followed by dark red to purple, edible fruits, 2-3cm in diameter.
About the genus
Psidium are small trees or shrubs with evergreen, simple leaves and axillary flowers, usually borne singly or in threes, which may be followed by small, edible fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs, Trees
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toBrazil
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a greenhouse or conservatory in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light but with shade from hot sun. Can also be grown in containers to stand outside in summer but move inside for winter or provide protection from frost
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate from seed or from suckers
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free