Feijoa: The Exotic Fruit Tree That’s Surprisingly Easy to Grow
If you’re looking to add something unique and delicious to your garden, let me introduce you to the feijoa – a charming South American native that’s been winning over gardeners worldwide. Also known as pineapple guava (though it’s not actually related to either pineapples or guavas), this versatile plant offers both ornamental beauty and tasty rewards.
What Makes Feijoa Special?
Feijoa (pronounced fay-OH-ah) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that brings year-round interest to your landscape. Its silvery-green, oval-shaped leaves have distinctive white undersides that shimmer beautifully in the breeze. But the real showstopper comes in late spring and early summer when the plant produces stunning flowers with white petals and dramatic red stamens. Here’s a fun fact: those flower petals are actually edible and taste like a sweet, tropical treat!
The aromatic, egg-shaped fruits that follow are the main attraction for many growers. They taste like a delightful mix of pineapple, mint, and strawberry – truly unique and absolutely delicious when fully ripe.
Where Does Feijoa Come From?
Feijoa hails from the highlands of South America, particularly southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, and parts of southern Colombia. In these regions, it grows naturally in subtropical climates with mild winters and warm, humid summers.
Is Feijoa Right for Your Garden?
Since feijoa isn’t native to North America, you might wonder if it’s appropriate for your landscape. The good news is that it’s not considered invasive and can be a wonderful addition to the right garden. However, if you’re focused on supporting native ecosystems, you might consider native alternatives like serviceberry (Amelanchier species) or elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), which also provide edible fruits and support local wildlife.
Feijoa works particularly well in:
- Mediterranean-style gardens
- Edible landscapes
- Coastal gardens (it tolerates salt spray well)
- Container gardens on patios or decks
- Drought-tolerant landscapes
Growing Conditions and Care
One of feijoa’s biggest advantages is how adaptable and low-maintenance it is once established. Here’s what you need to know:
Climate Requirements: Feijoa thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It can handle light frosts but will be damaged by hard freezes, so northern gardeners will need to grow it in containers and bring it indoors for winter.
Sun and Soil: This plant prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It’s remarkably unfussy about soil, growing well in poor, sandy soils as long as drainage is good. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root problems.
Size: Expect your feijoa to reach 10-15 feet tall and wide at maturity, though regular pruning can keep it smaller and more manageable.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your feijoa off to a good start is pretty straightforward:
- Timing: Plant in spring after the last frost date in your area
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish roots, then reduce frequency as the plant becomes drought-tolerant
- Pruning: Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain shape and encourages new growth
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Pollination: While feijoa is somewhat self-fertile, planting multiple varieties or hand-pollinating can significantly improve fruit production
Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators
While feijoa may not support native wildlife as effectively as indigenous plants, it does offer some benefits. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and birds sometimes visit for nectar. However, if supporting local ecosystems is a priority, consider incorporating native fruiting plants alongside or instead of feijoa.
The Bottom Line
Feijoa is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy-care, multi-season plant that provides both beauty and bounty. Its drought tolerance, attractive appearance, and delicious fruits make it a valuable addition to many gardens. Just remember that while it’s not problematic, native alternatives might better support your local ecosystem. Why not have the best of both worlds? Plant a feijoa for those unique fruits, but balance your landscape with native species that local wildlife will truly appreciate.
Whether you’re drawn to its shimmering foliage, spectacular flowers, or those incredibly tasty fruits, feijoa is sure to become a conversation starter in your garden. Give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite fruit!
