Variegated Chilean Guava Live Plant – Ugni Molinae ‘Flambeau’ – 1 Gallon Pot

Overview

Introduce a touch of exotic beauty and edible delight to your garden with the variegated Chilean guava, scientifically known as Ugni Molinae ‘Flambeau’. This exceptional evergreen shrub is celebrated for its truly unique foliage, which emerges with a delicate pink blush over creamy-grey leaves, creating a stunning visual display. As the leaves mature, they maintain their captivating variegation, ensuring continuous appeal throughout the seasons. Native to Chile, the Ugni Molinae Flambeau is not only an ornamental powerhouse but also produces small, flavorful berries reminiscent of wild strawberries, making it a fantastic choice for both aesthetic appeal and culinary adventure. Perfect for gardeners looking for something distinctive, this plant is a robust addition that brings both beauty and a harvest to your landscape.

The variegated Chilean guava thrives in a variety of settings, from a prominent specimen plant in a mixed border to an attractive container plant on a patio. Its compact yet bushy growth habit makes it versatile for different garden sizes and designs. Beyond its visual charm, the plant offers the added bonus of edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in jams and desserts. This live plant shipped in a 1 gallon pot, is an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of this remarkable species.

Key Benefits

The variegated Chilean guava offers a multitude of advantages for any gardener, blending ornamental beauty with practical uses:

• Stunning Variegated Foliage: The primary appeal of this shrub is its eye-catching foliage, which flushes pink over cream-grey leaves, providing year-round color and texture to your garden. This unique variegation ensures it stands out amongst other greenery.

• Edible Berries: Beyond its ornamental value, the Ugni Molinae Flambeau produces small, aromatic berries with a sweet, slightly tart flavor. These delicious fruits can be eaten fresh, used in preserves, or as an ingredient in various desserts, adding a gourmet touch to your harvest.

• Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen shrub, it maintains its leaves and vibrant coloration throughout the year, providing continuous interest even in colder months when many other plants have lost their foliage. This makes it an excellent choice for consistent garden structure.

• Versatile Landscaping Plant: Its moderate size and attractive appearance make it suitable for a range of garden applications, including hedges, borders, container planting, or as a standalone specimen. It integrates beautifully into various garden styles, from formal to informal.

• Low Maintenance: Once established, the variegated Chilean guava is relatively low maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering. It’s a resilient plant that rewards minimal effort with maximum beauty and fruit production.

• Drought Tolerance: While it appreciates regular moisture, established plants exhibit a good degree of drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens or areas prone to dry spells.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your variegated Chilean guava is straightforward, ensuring a healthy and productive plant. This evergreen shrub thrives in conditions that mimic its native habitat. For optimal growth and fruit production, it requires a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can protect the delicate variegated foliage from scorching. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant is adaptable to various soil types but absolutely requires well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal for the Ugni Molinae Flambeau.

Regular watering is crucial, especially during its establishment period and dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is key. Fertilization can be done in spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or a general-purpose organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Pruning is generally minimal, mainly to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged branches, or to encourage bushier growth. This can be done after fruiting or in late winter.

The Chilean guava plant care also involves understanding its hardiness. It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 8-10, though some varieties may tolerate Zone 7 with protection. Protect young plants from hard frosts. Pests and diseases are generally not a significant problem for this robust shrub, but keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids or spider mites, treating them with organic insecticidal soaps if necessary. With proper care, your variegated Chilean guava will be a thriving and rewarding addition to your garden for many years.

Size & Details

This variegated Chilean guava (Ugni Molinae ‘Flambeau’) is shipped as a healthy, live plant in a 1 gallon nursery pot. Upon arrival, the plant typically measures between 3-5 inches tall from the top of the soil, with established root systems ready for transplanting. In ideal growing conditions, this evergreen shrub can reach a mature height of up to 5 feet and a similar spread, forming a dense, attractive bush. Its growth rate is moderate, allowing it to establish well and gradually fill its space. The plant is ready to be planted in your garden or a larger container upon arrival, offering immediate ornamental value and the promise of future fruit production. Expect the plant to begin producing berries within 2-3 years of planting, with increasing yields as it matures.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this variegated Chilean guava get? A: This variegated Chilean guava can grow up to 5 feet tall and equally wide when mature, forming a dense, evergreen shrub. Its size makes it versatile for various garden applications.

• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The plant is shipped as a live plant in a 1 gallon nursery pot, ensuring a well-established root system for successful transplanting.

• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Ugni Molinae Flambeau is primarily an outdoor plant, suited for garden beds or large outdoor containers. In colder climates, it can be overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location.

• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade. In regions with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can protect its unique variegated foliage from scorching.

• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the variegated Chilean guava is considered relatively easy to care for once established. It requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture, making it suitable for gardeners of varying experience levels.

• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your variegated Chilean guava will arrive as a healthy, live plant, carefully packaged in its 1 gallon pot to ensure minimal stress during transit and readiness for planting.

• Q: Can I use the fruit of the Chilean guava in cooking? A: Absolutely! The berries of the Ugni Molinae Flambeau are edible and have a delicious, aromatic flavor. They are excellent fresh, in jams, jellies, pies, or as a garnish for desserts.

• Q: When is the best time to plant this shrub? A: The best time to plant your variegated Chilean guava is in spring or early fall, allowing it ample time to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.

• Q: What’s the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: The evergreen ornamental shrub is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10, generally tolerating temperatures down to about 10-20°F (-12 to -6°C). Protection may be needed in the lower end of its hardiness range.

• Q: How long until it starts producing fruit? A: Typically, a young variegated Chilean guava will begin to produce berries within 2-3 years after planting, with fruit production increasing as the plant matures.