Rare Fruits

Cornus mas ELEGANT – A newer variety of Cornelian Cherry out of Ukraine with pear-shaped fruit which mature to a dark red. These are quite sweet and can be eaten fresh or processed into jams, liqueurs and sauces. The bright yellow late winter blooms also make this a very worthwhile ornamental tree, as these are borne on bare branches. Grows 20′ tall by 15′ wide. Hardy to USDA zone 4.

Acca sellowiana – Pineapple Guava is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that is native to South America. It bears both edible flowers (which taste like Cotton Candy) and fruits (expect a pineapple-mint flavour) , with the latter ripening very late in the Pacific Northwest, usually November. Cross-pollination is also necessary for fruit production with most of the cultivars. Grows 5-6′ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 7.

Gaultheria x wisleyensis ‘Wisley Pearl’ – Gaulnettya is a self-fertile hybrid of G. shallon (Salal) and G. mucronata (Pernettya or Prickly Heath). It produces an abundance of purplish-pink berries (in September) which have a mild flavour. Gaulnettya is an acid-loving shrub that was discovered at the RHS garden at Wisley, England. Grows to about 3′ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 6.

Asimina triloba ‘Pennsylvania Golden’ – An early ripening PawPaw which makes it a good choice for cooler coastal gardens. The species is a deciduous tree native to Eastern North America with dark burgundy flowers followed by large, often clustered fruits with tropical flavoured (banana, mango, pineapple) pulp. Cross-pollination is required for fruit production. Grows 12-15′ tall. USDA zone 5.

Ugni molinae – Chilean Guava or Tazziberry is an evergreen shrub native to Chile and Argentina with white heather-bell blooms in late spring. These are followed by absolutely delicious red berries that have a unique strawberry-guava flavour. This tender shrub is readily available at garden centres but will require some shelter in our winters. Grows 5-6′ tall and wide. Hardy to USDA zone 8.