Feijoa

For largest fruit crop, plant males and females of this California favorite together.

Exotic-looking, white-petalled flowers with tufted, crimson centers are followed in fall by sweetly aromatic, edible fruits. Sun-loving and drought-tolerant, these evergreens aren't cold-hardy and need a sheltered sunny wall in all but the mildest climates. The plant attracts birds and bees. While fruit isn't as sweet as Guava's (Psidium), they're eaten raw or used in jelly. Flower petals are also edible. The Olive-like leaves are dark, glossy green, with white undersides. They can grow to 20 ft. tall, but are easily shaped by pruning to use as a screen, hedge, small tree or espalier plant. Autumn foliage color is bluish gray. Best in sandy loam, rich in humus.
Start seeds indoors, and plant seedlings in ground when they're 4 in. tall. Or start by cuttings. Prune in late spring. Fruit is ripe when it starts to soften.