Psidium littorale var. longipes (F)
purple guava
An evergreen, small tree or multi-stemmed shrub around 7m tall in its native habitat but usually growing 2-4m tall in cultivation. It has grey to reddish-brown bark that peels readily, cylindrical branchlets and oval, glossy, dark green leaves 4-12cm long; young leaves emerge a bronze-red colour. Small, fragrant, white flowers borne in leaf axils in spring are followed by dark red to purple, edible fruits, 2-3cm in diameter
Synonyms
Psidium cattleyanum
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Green | Red Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Genus
Psidium are small trees or shrubs with evergreen, simple leaves and axillary flowers, usually borne singly or in threes, which may be followed by small, edible fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a greenhouse or conservatory in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light but with shade from hot sun. Can also be grown in containers to stand outside in summer but move inside for winter or provide protection from frost
Propagation
Propagate from seed or from suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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