Pineapple Guava

Acca sellowiana

Pineapple guava is an evergreen shrub native to subtropical, higher elevation, regions of South America, but is well-adapted to our Central Texas climate. It may struggle a bit in the extreme heat of a full-on Texas summer, so plan to water it regularly during the hottest months of the year.  Planting in an area with protection from late-day sun would also help.  This evergreen shrub is listed as hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pineapple guava performs best in well-drained, loamy soil, rich in organic matter, but it will tolerate a bit of clay.

If left to grow naturally, pineapple guava will grow to about 15, maybe 20 feet tall and just as wide, but you can also train it to be a small tree.  It responds very well to pruning, making it a good choice if you’re looking to create a hedge row.

The leaves are light green, thick, and somewhat leathery, with soft gray undersides. The flowers are quite striking as well, with just a few pale-pink petals, but dozens of long red stamens.  Bees and butterflies absolutely love them!

Its fall ripened fruit is edible, though many recommend letting them actually fall to the ground for the sweetest taste. If you’d like to produce a nice harvest, you should fertilize the plant in spring and give it plenty of water during the heat of the summer.