FEIJOA sellowiana

Description:Common name: Acca sellowiana, Pineapple Guava. A slow growing evergreen shrub with spoon shaped, grey- green leaves. Unusual flowers which look like a cross between aquilegia and fuchsia in shape are produce in late summer, they consist of crimson, pink and white petals with prominent, star-burst like, crimson stamens. These are followed by edible, fruits

Uses: Topiary Shapes

Climate/Position: Sheltered site in full sun or partial shade. Drought tolerant once established and also tolerant of salt laden winds - so good in coastal areas

Height/Spread: Clipped in an umbrella topiary shape, trim in summer to keep its form

Soil Requirements: Will tolerate most soil types but does not like a soil that is too wet

Pruning: Trim annually with topiary shears in early or late summer to keep specimen in shape. Suckers and unwanted branches should also be removed from the stems

Special Requirements: Does not like a waterlogged soil

Additional Interest: Very popular in Europe. First introduced from South America by a French horticulturist, Edouard Andre in 1890. Originally the plant was tested in Andre's garden for almost a decade and then was successfully planted along the French Riviera