Chilean guava Plant Care

Chilean guava (Ugni molinae) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Ugni genus. Chilean guava is native to Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. Chilean guava is also known as Strawberry guava, Murtilla.

Chilean guava displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Chilean guava produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers followed by flavorful red berries.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 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 full sun to partial shade.

Ugni molinae tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chilean guava prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean guava is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean guava can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ugni candollei plant care, which shares the same genus.

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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 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean guava is native to Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Chilean guava as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.