Matt's 9b field note
“From Tropica Mango Nursery — 'almost like a purple leaf when I bought it.'”
Background
A Malaysian/Southeast Asian selection of Psidium guajava grown as much for ornament as for fruit. Often sold as 'Purple Malaysian' or 'Maroon guava.'
Distinguishing traits
Distinctive deep red to purple-tinted foliage (most purple in cool weather); bright pink flowers, unusual since most guavas bloom white; bronze-red pear-shaped fruit to about 8 cm with pink-red flesh. Bushy 8-15 ft habit with attractive peeling bark.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None needed.
- Cold hardiness
- Tender; listed around 30°F / zone 10. Protect from any frost in Queen Creek.
- Heat tolerance
- Heat tolerant with adequate water.
- Water
- Medium moisture; keep consistently watered in heat.
- Soil
- Wide tolerance; well-drained.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun for best leaf color.
Where to buy
- Ken's Nursery
- Tropica Mango Nursery