Pineapple Guava-Bush

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 10-15 feet
Spread: 10-15 feet
Flower Color: white with burst of red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana): A Beautiful and Fruit-Bearing Shrub for Arizona Gardens

Pineapple Guava, also known as Feijoa sellowiana, is an eye-catching evergreen shrub or small tree cherished for both its ornamental appeal and its unique, tropical-tasting fruit. Originally hailing from South America, particularly the regions of Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, this plant has found a welcoming place in Arizona landscapes, where its attractive foliage, unique flowers, and delicious fruits offer both beauty and functionality.

Key Features and Benefits of Pineapple Guava

• Tropical-Like Fruit: The fruit of the Pineapple Guava, with its sweet, pineapple-like flavor, ripens in fall and is not only tasty but also nutritious. The fruit can be eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into desserts, jams, and salads. Gardeners can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting a fruit-bearing shrub right from their backyard.

• Striking Ornamental Qualities: Pineapple Guava features glossy, dark green leaves with silver undersides, creating a shimmering effect when stirred by the wind. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, have edible, sweet-flavored white petals with bright red stamens. These unique flowers are attractive to pollinators, bringing bees and butterflies into the garden.

• Flexible Growth Habit: This shrub typically grows 10 to 15 feet in height and width, with potential to reach up to 20 feet when mature and in optimal conditions. It can be left to grow as a dense shrub, forming a natural hedge or privacy screen, or pruned into a small, shapely tree to create a sculptural focal point.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Pineapple Guava

• Sunlight and Soil: Pineapple Guava thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer regions like Arizona. It grows best in well-draining soil and adapts well to slightly acidic to neutral pH. To optimize its growth, particularly in dry climates, consider applying a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Watering and Drought Tolerance: While this shrub is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is beneficial during its first few years to support root development. In the Arizona climate, maintaining a consistent watering schedule through summer can promote healthier, more productive growth.

• Temperature Tolerance: Pineapple Guava can withstand mild frost but performs best in areas with temperate to warm climates. In cooler climates, it may require winter protection.

Landscaping Uses for Pineapple Guava

Pineapple Guava’s adaptability, dense growth, and striking appearance make it a versatile addition to a variety of landscape settings:

• Hedge or Privacy Screen: With its dense foliage and manageable size, Pineapple Guava is perfect for creating natural hedges or screens. Plant it along property lines for privacy or along a fence to add lush greenery and seasonal interest.

• Edible and Ornamental Gardens: As an edible landscaping option, Pineapple Guava’s beauty and productivity make it an ideal candidate. Its fruit-bearing qualities are especially appealing for home gardeners interested in integrating fruit plants into their landscape without sacrificing aesthetics.

• Specimen or Accent Plant: When pruned as a small tree, Pineapple Guava serves as an elegant specimen or accent plant in garden beds, adding vertical interest and texture to the landscape. It pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean or desert-friendly plants, like lavender or rosemary, creating a low-maintenance and water-wise garden design.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Pineapple Guava is generally low-maintenance but can benefit from a few key care practices to enhance its health and appearance:

• Pruning: Pineapple Guava responds well to pruning and can be shaped to fit your desired garden design. Prune in late winter or early spring to control size, remove any dead branches, and encourage denser growth. Regular pruning can also shape the shrub into a small tree if desired.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote strong growth and fruit production. Organic matter or compost can also be added to enrich the soil and support plant health.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Pineapple Guava is notably resilient and generally free of major pest or disease issues, making it an easy-care plant for gardeners seeking low-maintenance greenery.

Why Choose Pineapple Guava for Arizona Gardens?

Pineapple Guava is an ideal choice for Arizona’s dry climate due to its drought tolerance, adaptability, and attractive, evergreen foliage. Its edible fruit and striking flowers make it a multifunctional addition to any garden, blending both ornamental and practical qualities. Whether used as a hedge, in edible landscapes, or as a standalone specimen, Pineapple Guava brings unique charm, year-round interest, and the pleasure of homegrown fruit.

Transform Your Arizona Landscape with Pineapple Guava
Bring beauty and bounty to your garden with Pineapple Guava! This resilient shrub’s stunning foliage, unique flowers, and delicious fruit make it a rewarding choice for both seasoned gardeners and newcomers. Embrace sustainable, edible gardening with the versatile Pineapple Guava today!