Discovering Feijoa: The Pineapple Guava You’ll Want in Your Garden

If you’ve ever strolled through a nursery and spotted a plant with silvery-green leaves and delicate, pink-and-white blossoms, chances are you’ve come across a feijoa—better known as the pineapple guava. This unique fruiting shrub isn’t just beautiful in the landscape; it’s also one of the most underappreciated edibles you can grow. Native to South America, feijoa has been winning over gardeners worldwide with its ornamental appeal, resilience, and delicious fruit. Let’s dive into what makes this plant so special, and why you might want to give it a home in your garden.

Feijoa (botanically Acca sellowiana) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall, though it can be pruned to stay smaller. It’s often called pineapple guava, though it’s not a true guava. The name comes from the fruit’s unique flavor—a tropical mix that tastes like pineapple, guava, and strawberry all rolled into one. It’s a tough plant, tolerating drought once established, and it thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with mild winters and warm summers.

What’s wonderful about feijoa is that it pulls double duty: it’s ornamental and edible. The silvery foliage looks lovely year-round, and in late spring to early summer, the plant bursts into bloom with exotic-looking flowers that feature soft white petals with vibrant red stamens. Those petals are edible too—mildly sweet and often described as tasting like cotton candy. Many gardeners enjoy them as a treat right in the garden or tossed into a summer salad.

Feijoa is a low-maintenance plant once you get it established, which makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, though fruit production is better with more light. Soil-wise, it isn’t too picky—just make sure it drains well. Like most fruiting plants, feijoa appreciates regular water during its growing and fruiting season, but it’s remarkably drought tolerant after a couple of years in the ground.

One of the biggest questions gardeners have is whether feijoa will produce fruit without a companion. Some varieties are self-fertile, but many set fruit more reliably when cross-pollinated. If you want a good harvest, consider planting two different varieties or check the label at the nursery to see if your selection is self-fertile. With the right care, feijoa will reward you with bushels of egg-shaped fruits that ripen in fall.

If you’ve never tasted feijoa fruit, you’re in for a surprise. The skin is green and somewhat rough, but inside lies a sweet, aromatic flesh that’s both creamy and slightly grainy. You eat it by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the insides with a spoon. Some people also use it in smoothies, jams, baked goods, or even homemade wine and cider. The flavor is tropical and refreshing, with a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness.

Interestingly, the fruit drops when ripe—so don’t expect it to ripen well on the counter like some other fruits. Instead, you gather what’s fallen from the tree, or gently shake the branches to see which fruits are ready. A ripe feijoa will give off a strong, sweet fragrance.

Beyond the edible rewards, feijoa offers plenty of reasons to love it as a garden plant. Its evergreen leaves and tidy growth habit make it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, or even a specimen shrub. It’s also relatively pest- and disease-free, which means less fuss and more enjoyment. Plus, the flowers attract pollinators like bees and birds, adding extra life to your garden.

And let’s not overlook its adaptability. Feijoa can be grown in the ground or in large containers, making it a versatile option for gardeners with limited space. In colder areas, containers can even be moved to protect the plant from harsh frost.

There’s something delightful about growing a plant that surprises guests with both beauty and flavor. Imagine walking someone through your garden, pointing out the feijoa shrub, and handing them a flower petal to taste. Then, in autumn, letting them scoop into the fragrant fruit. It’s a plant that invites conversation, sharing, and a little bit of wonder.

If you’re looking to add something new to your garden—a plant that’s hardy, beautiful, and gives back in multiple ways—feijoa might just be your next favorite. Whether you grow it for the flowers, the fruit, or simply as a lovely evergreen shrub, pineapple guava is a rewarding choice.