Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana)

Overview

The Pineapple guava, botanically known as Acca sellowiana, is a highly valued broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America. Gardeners prize it not only for its dense, silvery-green foliage but also for its beautiful, edible flowers and unique, flavorful fruit. This resilient specimen functions excellently as an ornamental hedge or a striking solitary specimen.

Cultivating Acca sellowiana successfully relies on providing adequate heat and consistent moisture during the fruiting season, though it is generally considered drought-tolerant once established. It offers continuous visual interest across all four seasons, ensuring that the landscape remains vibrant year-round, especially in warmer climates.

This versatile plant provides ornamental appeal while rewarding the patient grower with rare, fragrant fruit often described as having a blend of pineapple, spearmint, and apple flavor. Consider adding Acca sellowiana to your mild winter landscape for a functional and attractive addition.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Myrtaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Southern Brazil to northern Argentina
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-15 ft
  • Spread: 10-15 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: White flowers with blue-green fruit
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting location is crucial for optimal fruiting; while Acca sellowiana tolerates part shade, it performs best when given full sun exposure. This plant establishes well in average, well-drained soils. When planting, be aware that the root system is shallow, so applying mulch around the base is highly recommended to conserve soil moisture and protect these roots.

Care for established Pineapple guava requires consistent moisture to maximize fruit production; though it tolerates dry conditions, irregular deep watering can stress the shrub and lead to premature fruit drop during hot summers (ideally 80-90°F). Generally, this plant benefits from deep watering on a regular schedule. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably good.

Pruning can shape Acca sellowiana into an effective screen or hedge, or it can be trained to develop a single trunk as a small tree. For propagation, cuttings or grafting from known cultivars are best, as seedlings often do not yield plants true to the parent stock. In their minimum hardiness zone (Zone 8), ensure they are protected from hard freezes, as they will generally only withstand temperatures down to about 18°F without damage.

Landscape Uses

The robust, dense nature of the Pineapple guava makes it an excellent choice for structural plantings in the landscape. It excels when utilized as a formal or informal hedge, providing a sturdy green barrier that looks attractive year-round due to its evergreen nature. Furthermore, its ability to be espaliered or trained into a small tree form allows it to be a standout specimen near patios or entryways where its fragrant flowers can be appreciated.

For larger properties, Acca sellowiana serves admirably as a screen or windbreak, offering visual density and year-round structure. When grouping, consider pairing it with other Mediterranean or subtropical plants that share a preference for well-drained soil and moderate summer heat. Harvesting the edible fruit adds a compelling functional element to any edible landscape design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Acca sellowiana, commonly known as pineapple guava, is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree of the myrtle family that typically matures to 10-15’ tall and as wide, but infrequently will rise to as much as 25’ tall. Its leathery, egg-shaped leaves are soft green above and silvery-green beneath, offering beautiful textural contrast. The flowers are followed by rounded, waxy blue-green fruits that possess a distinct, complex, sweet-tart flavor when fully ripe.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

Generally, the Pineapple guava exhibits few serious insect or disease issues, allowing it to function well as a low-maintenance shrub for problem areas. However, in specific warm, humid regions, growers should be vigilant for potential infestations of black scale or fruit flies, both of which can affect the health of the fruit. Employing horticultural oils for scale management and netting or exclusion methods for fruit flies can help mitigate these localized pest challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Pineapple guava suitable for?

The Acca sellowiana is typically hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10. It can handle brief dips to around 18°F but benefits from protection in the colder end of its range.

How large does Pineapple guava grow?

This evergreen typically matures to a height and spread between 10 and 15 feet, although some specimens may reach up to 25 feet tall under ideal conditions.

When does Pineapple guava bloom?

The striking white flowers of the Acca sellowiana appear between May and June, followed shortly by the development of the distinctive blue-green fruit.

What sun exposure does Pineapple guava need?

For the best health and fruit production, Acca sellowiana requires full sun, although it will successfully tolerate partial shade.

Conclusion

The Acca sellowiana is a stellar choice for mild-winter gardens, offering the dual benefit of exquisite ornamental foliage and highly desirable, fragrant fruit. Ensuring consistent moisture during hot summers is key to maximizing the yield of this unique Pineapple guava. Before planting, always confirm your USDA hardiness zone compatibility to ensure this evergreen thrives for years to come.

Propagation Tips

While Acca sellowiana is easily grown from seed, the resulting fruit quality is often unpredictable, as new seedlings do not breed true to the parent stock. For gardeners seeking specific fruit characteristics or known growth habits, propagation via cuttings taken from established, high-performing shrubs is the scientifically recommended method. Grafting cultivars onto rootstock is also highly effective for ensuring reliable results and is often preferred by commercial growers.

Companion Planting

Due to the shallow root system of the Pineapple guava, avoid planting highly competitive shallow-rooted annuals or vegetables directly at the base of the shrub. Good companions include drought-tolerant, slow-growing perennials that benefit from the light afternoon shade the shrub may cast as it matures. Consider planting native, low-water ornamental grasses nearby, or incorporate Mediterranean herbs that thrive in similar well-drained soil conditions found in its native South American highlands.