Candybox™ Chilean Guava

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

8 to 11

Candybox™ Chilean Guava (Ugni molinae ‘PI16’) is a compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a naturally rounded habit. In spring, it produces delicate, bell-shaped pink flowers that are lightly fragrant and set fruit without a second plant. By late summer into fall, those blooms develop into small red berries with a sweet, strawberry-like flavor. Mature plants reach about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making this an excellent boxwood alternative for warmer climates. We’ve grown it along walkways and in containers, where its tidy structure and edible fruit add both formality and function.

Native to Chile and southern Argentina, the species is valued for durability and year-round foliage. Candybox™ maintains dense branching and holds its evergreen leaves through winter in Zones 7–9. It tolerates heat and periods of drought once established and is generally avoided by deer. Use it as a low hedge, foundation planting, edging shrub, or mass planting where a structured look is desired. It also adapts well to large patio containers, especially in edible or pollinator-focused gardens.

Candybox™ Chilean Guava Care

Plant in full sun to part sun; at least four to six hours of direct light supports best flowering and fruit set. This shrub prefers well-drained soil and performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions, roughly pH 5.5 to 7.0. It adapts to sandy or loamy soils and will tolerate clay if drainage is improved. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then shift to average watering; avoid constantly wet soil. Fertilizer is rarely necessary, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support growth in lean soils.

Pruning is best kept minimal, since the plant blooms on old wood and heavy trimming can reduce flowers and fruit. If shaping is needed, thin or lightly trim during dormancy in late winter. Avoid frequent shearing if fruit production is a priority. In colder parts of its range, mulch around the root zone in late fall to moderate soil temperature, especially for plants grown in containers.

Candybox™ Chilean Guava Spacing

Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart when planting as a low hedge or border to allow the rounded form to fill in naturally. For mass plantings, use closer spacing for a continuous evergreen effect. In containers, choose a pot at least 16 to 20 inches wide for one young plant, increasing size as it matures. Combine with acid-loving companions such as coral bells, dwarf nandina, or evergreen sedges, or pair with trailing herbs like thyme to create a layered edible display in well-drained soil.

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