Chilean Guava

Myrtus ugni molinae

The attractive and hard-to-find Chilean Guava bears red, 1cm or just under 1/2 inch, oval fruit with an estimable sweet/tart flavor, and an aroma reminiscent of tropical strawberries. This rare beauty has much to recommend it - small, evergreen leaves, darling little dangling white bell-shaped blossoms in late spring, and the tasty red fruits that garland the bush in fall. Leaves can be a tea substitute. Trim the bush to a size you like (since it tends to be rather rangy) and consider planting several to make an unusual hedge.

Chilean guavas, favored long ago by Queen Victoria, can even thrive outdoors in southwest England. This self-fertile bush loves warm climates and can grow to upwards of 15 feet, but will stay smaller (6'-8'), in cooler climates. Plant in well-drained, compost-rich soil in a sunny location or grow as a house or greenhouse plant . 

USDA Zone: 8-11

Mature Height: 6' (Medium) to 15' (Large)

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: August

Pollination: Self Fertile

Read our Subtropicals Growing Guide