Ugni molinae

 

  Chilean Guava

  Family: Myrtaceae

  Origin: Native to Chile

Hardiness: Hardy to 20 degrees
Growth: Slow to medium growth rate to 6 feet tall by 6 feet wide
Form: Mounded shape; dense shrub with fine texture
Leaves: Dark bronzy green; glossy; oval
Flowers: White-pink flowers late spring; many stamens
Fruit or Seeds: Edible purple berries in late fall
Exposure: Partial shade inland; sun in coastal areas
Water: Likes to be kept moist; water deeply twice a month
Soil: Prefers well drained, acidic soil
Fertilizer: Spring and fall with acid based fertilizer and iron
Prune: Cut back to a bud or remove branches to maintain shape
Problems: Few insect or disease problems

A neat plant that is leggy when young and can benefit by heading back to make it denser as it matures. Makes a good container specimen.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page