Chilean Guava Plant Care

Chilean Guava (Myrteola nummularia) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrteola genus. Chilean Guava is native to the Falkland Islands and southern parts of South America such as Patagonia. Chilean Guava is also known as Myrtle Berry.

Chilean Guava displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Chilean Guava produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Guava every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Guava thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chilean Guava in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Myrteola nummularia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Chilean Guava prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Guava to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Guava every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Guava is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chilean Guava can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean Guava while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chilean Guava is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Chilean Guava can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean Guava is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chilean Guava grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Chilean Guava is native to the Falkland Islands and southern parts of South America such as Patagonia.