- Mature height
- 3m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Acca sellowiana, the Pineapple Guava or Feijoa, is an evergreen fruiting shrub with thick leathery leaves, dark green above and silver beneath, on a dense rounded frame. In late spring it opens unusual flowers with fleshy white petals and long crimson stamens, followed by aromatic green fruit in autumn.
It grows in full sun to part shade in free draining soil, from sand through to moderately heavy clay that does not stay wet. Growth is 30 to 60 centimetres a year. It is frost hardy once established, handles coastal exposure and salt wind, and becomes drought tolerant with a reasonable root system.
The dense evergreen habit and its willingness to be clipped make it one of the better edible hedges, and it also works as a screen, a windbreak or a single specimen in a productive garden. For a plant that screens a boundary and returns a crop of fruit each autumn, it does double duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pineapple Guava
What is Acca sellowiana?
Acca sellowiana, sold as Pineapple Guava or Feijoa, is an evergreen fruiting shrub in the myrtle family, native to South America rather than Australia. It carries leathery silver backed foliage, red and white flowers with edible petals, and aromatic green fruit that ripens in autumn. It is grown for hedging, screening and fruit in equal measure.
How big does Pineapple Guava grow?
Left unpruned it reaches about 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, forming a dense rounded shrub or small multi stemmed tree. It responds well to clipping, so it is easily held at 1.5 to 2 metres as a hedge. Container plants stay smaller again and can be kept around a metre.
When does it flower and fruit?
Flowers appear from late spring into early summer, roughly October to December, with white petals and prominent crimson stamens. The petals are sweet and edible. Fruit follows and ripens through autumn, generally March to May, dropping from the bush when ready. Most cultivars set a heavier crop with a second plant nearby for cross pollination.
Can it grow in pots?
Yes. It takes well to a large container given free draining potting mix and consistent watering through summer, and it can be pruned to hold a compact shape. Fruit set in pots is lighter than in the ground but still worthwhile. Feed through the growing season and repot every few years to keep the plant productive.
Is it frost tolerant and suitable for coastal gardens?
It is frost hardy once established and handles cold winters in temperate and cool temperate districts without damage, though a late frost during flowering can cost you fruit that season. It is also a genuinely good coastal plant, standing up to salt wind and sandy soils, which is why it appears so often in seaside hedges.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?
For a solid evergreen hedge, space plants 1 to 1.5 metres apart and clip lightly once the row has knitted. For a looser informal screen where each shrub keeps its natural shape, 2 metres is better. As single specimens for fruit, allow 3 metres so light reaches the whole canopy and cropping stays even.
How do I care for Pineapple Guava?
Water regularly through the first two summers and during flowering and fruit fill, since dry spells at those times reduce the crop. Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser. Prune after harvest, thinning older wood to let light into the centre. Mulch the root zone and pick up fallen fruit to keep pests down.
