Pineapple Guava Acca sellowiana

Pineapple guava is an evergreen perennial shrub native to South America in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Genus name comes from a Peruvian name. Specific epithet honors Friedrich Sello a German botanist.

Pineapple guava will reach 10 to 15 ft. in height with an equal spread in tropical areas but in North Carolina will grow 5 to 6 feet with an equal spread.  The shrub's habit is relatively open but becomes denser with pruning. Best flowering and fruiting occurs in full sun but tolerates light shade. Consistent soil moisture is important to produce quality fruits.  Water deeply and regularly and provide mulch to add nutrients and protect the shallow roots. It also prefers moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate a range of less-than-ideal soils, from sand to heavy clay. 

There are several cultivars which have been selected primarily for fruit production. 'Coolidge', 'Nazemata' and 'Pineapple Gem' are all good self-pollinating selections, while 'Superba' is a round-fruited form that needs to be planted with another cultivar for good fruit set, and 'Variegata' has white variegated foliage. Propagation of Guava is most reliable from seed which has been separated from the ripe fruit, but cuttings taken in summer are rooted for the propagation of named cultivars.

Pineapple guava is an amazingly dramatic shrub or tree in bloom that carries unique character into the garden through the twelve months of the year with its silvered, evergreen foliage.

Use this plant as a specimen, in an edible garden, in a container, as a small flowering tree, or for privacy. It adds a tropical flare for coastal gardens. Flowers and fruit are edible.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Generally problem-free but black scale and fruit flies can occur in some areas.