Family Myrtaceae
Originating from Brazil, Uruguay
The ‘Pineapple Guava’ is a bushy shrub from South America with grey/green leaves that have woolly undersides. It can be grown as an architectural specimen with clipping and has the potential to form characterful specimens like venerable Olive trees. The foliage is compact, forming a rounded crown and sets off the fleshy, exotic purple red flowers that appear over a long period in summer. If planted close to a path, doorway or patio where the flowers are seen regularly at close quarters the fantastic detail in the form and colouration of the flowers can be fully appreciated. After a hot summers edible reddish/green pineapple flavoured small fruits are produced which is reported to be very tasty and sweet, the flowers are also edible making a stunning and also sweet garnish.
This species is tough and reliable if given a sheltered spot and grows in a wide range of soils, tolerating salt in coastal areas and drought, although it prefers sandy well drained soil in full sun.
Height and spread after 10 years 2 x 2m