A Sweet Boxwood Alternative
It’s just like candy—well, kind of. Candybox® Chilean guava (Ugni molinae) is a great boxwood alternative for warm climate gardens. Growing in a tidy mound, it delivers year-round interest with its handsome evergreen foliage, while adding a little something special for the spring and fall seasons.
Native to Chile, Candybox Chilean guava brings a touch of the Southern Hemisphere to North American landscapes, specifically those located in USDA zones 7-9. Enjoyed for both its ornamental and culinary appeal, this self-fertile shrub delights in spring with pretty, bell shaped flowers that turn into edible fruit by late summer/fall.
Our team at Spring Meadow Nursery recently taste-tested these berries, noting subtle hints of pine and a flavor reminiscent of a gin and tonic. But don’t just take our word for it—grow it yourself and let us know what you taste!
Candybox Chilean guava is a low-maintenance addition to the garden, growing happily in full sun to part sun and adapting well to various soil types. At 2–3′ tall and wide, its neat frame works wonderfully grouped at the front of a border or planted as a long, low hedge.
All About Candybox Chilean Guava
We truly think this plant is so cool, which is why we thought it deserved its own video. Learn all about Candybox Chilean Guava below and consider adding it to your garden if you have the chance.
How cool! Do you think this would grow in a large planter so that it could be brought into a garage or porch during the winter?
Hi Jen,
You can certainly try growing it in a container! Just keep in mind that once you bring it inside for the winter, it will need a very bright, cool (but not cold) spot with good air circulation. You’ll also want to check on its water needs occasionally throughout the season.