Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava)

Prized for its foliage, flowers and fruit, Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) is an evergreen shrub of rounded habit or small tree with handsome gray-green leaves, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm), densely white-felted on the underside. Blooming in late spring to early summer, ravishing bicolor flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), bloom singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. Each blossom sports four reflexed sepals, four red petals with white tips and a showy bouquet of rich crimson stamens tipped with yellow pollen. Shining against the foliage, the flamboyant flowers are edible and may be added to salads. They are followed by edible, egg-shaped, red-flushed green fruit, up to 3 in. long (7 cm). They may take 4-7 months to ripen, depending upon climate. They can be eaten fresh and have a pineapple-spearmint flavor. A handsome shrub worthy of inclusion in the border, as a screen or hedge. Tolerant of drought and salt winds, Pineapple Guava is well-suited to coastal gardens.

• Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall and wide (180-450 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in light, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Mulch soil around the shrub to protect the shallow roots. Tolerates salt spray and drought.
• Perfect for wall-side borders, as a specimen or accent plant, hedges. Great in Mediterranean gardens and coastal gardens. Where not winter hardy, grow in containers to be overwintered indoors.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove any winter damaged growth in late spring. Can be pruned to form a pretty hedge.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed at 55-61°F (13-16°C) as soon as ripe. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
• Native to Brazil, Uruguay.