Plant Profile: Acca sellowiana

Pineapple guava, a native of South America, is not only known for its delicious guava fruit but also for its striking appearance as a shrub. Its vibrant flowers could easily inspire a painting by Georgia O'Keeffe.

This evergreen shrub typically grows to heights of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread in tropical regions, though in warmer temperate areas, such as coastal North Carolina, it usually reaches about 5 to 6 feet. In cooler climates, where late frosts and harsh winters can damage the tips of its branches, the shrub tends to be denser. Conversely, in warmer locales, it can become more open and sprawling, often relying on gardeners for pruning. Even without its stunning blooms, the guava's unique evergreen character makes it a worthy addition to many gardens, but its flowers are so captivating that they often overshadow the plant's other qualities.

Moderately tolerant of salt, guava thrives in coastal landscapes, showcasing its silvery leaves and vibrant flowers. While it is reliably cold-hardy along the coast and in the eastern Piedmont, it can also be cultivated in sheltered spots throughout the lower elevations of the Southeast. This shrub can serve as a striking centerpiece in large containers on patios or walkways and can be pruned after flowering to manage its growth. Remarkably, landscape specimens have been known to survive and regrow even after being completely killed back.

Several cultivars of Acca sellowiana have been developed mainly for fruit production. Varieties such as 'Coolidge', 'Nazemata', and 'Pineapple Gem' are excellent self-pollinators, while 'Superba' produces round fruit but requires another cultivar for effective pollination. 'Variegata' is notable for its white variegated leaves. The most reliable method of propagating guava is from seeds extracted from ripe fruit, although summer cuttings can also be rooted to propagate specific cultivars.

Acca sellowiana is a striking shrub that brings unique charm to gardens year-round with its silver-green, evergreen foliage. This remarkable plant is the source of the well-known tropical fruit, guava, and serves as both an ornamental and a fruit-bearing plant that deserves greater recognition in southeastern gardens.

The guava prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. To ensure high-quality fruit production, consistent soil moisture is essential. Deep, regular watering and mulching are recommended to nourish the shallow roots and protect them. While it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, it can adapt to a variety of less-than-ideal conditions, from sandy to heavy clay soils. In full sun, it produces the most flowers and fruit, although it can still perform adequately in partial shade, albeit with reduced yields.

The edible flowers of the guava have a delightful marshmallow flavor and can be enjoyed like candy. They pair well with berries or other fruits, can be added to salads, or used as decorative elements on cakes.