Cattley Guava Plant - Strawberry Guava - Live Plant in a 4 Inch Growers Pot - Psidium Cattleianum - Beautiful Edible Fruit Bearing Shrub for Patio or Garden

The Cattley Guava, also known as the Strawberry Guava, is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub that brings both beauty and functionality to your garden. This versatile plant thrives in warm climates, offering an attractive addition to any landscape. It features glossy, dark green leaves that provide an elegant backdrop for its vibrant, pink to red fruits, which have a sweet, tangy flavor that is loved by both humans and wildlife alike. The Strawberry Guava’s growth habit is bushy, reaching 3 to 10 feet in height, making it perfect for creating privacy screens or filling out garden beds. It produces small white flowers that precede the delicious guava fruits, which are slightly smaller than traditional guavas but pack a punch in terms of flavor. The plant has a dense, spreading habit, with the fruits ripening in late summer or early fall, depending on the growing conditions. Not only does the Cattley Guava add a tropical feel to your landscape, but it is also known for its resilience and ease of care. It can tolerate a variety of soil types and is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, yet fruitful addition to their garden. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11 and can be grown in containers for those in cooler climates, provided it is brought inside during the winter months.

• Physical Characteristics: The Cattley Guava is a small to medium-sized shrub that features smooth, leathery, dark green leaves that provide a lush background for its vibrant pink fruits. The fruits, which resemble small guavas, have a smooth, red skin and a juicy, slightly tart interior with a hint of sweetness, often compared to strawberries.

• Light Requirements: The Cattley Guava thrives in full sunlight, making it ideal for bright garden spots. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally and produce abundant fruit. While it can tolerate partial shade, it may produce fewer fruits and grow more slowly in lower light conditions.

• Watering Frequency: This plant prefers consistent watering, especially during its active growing season. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Once the plant is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, though regular watering is still essential during dry spells to maintain healthy fruit production.

• Soil Preferences: The Cattley Guava is adaptable to a variety of soil types but performs best in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It can tolerate sandy or loamy soils but should be protected from poorly draining clay soils that can lead to root rot.

• Growth Rate: The plant grows moderately fast, especially in its first few years of growth. Once established, it can spread widely and reach a height of up to 10 feet. To maintain a tidy shape and promote healthy fruit production, it is recommended to prune it annually. Pruning also helps control its size if grown in smaller spaces.