UK hardiness
Is Strawberry Guava hardy in the UK?
Psidium cattleyanum
More about strawberry guava in the UK
Strawberry Guava and the RHS hardiness rating
Strawberry Guava is rated RHS H2 — tender, meaning it withstands winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. In practice that means it needs a frost-free greenhouse or indoors over winter — a UK frost will kill it. The RHS rating describes an absolute minimum temperature, not an average: a single hard frost below its band is what does the damage, so the question is always "what is the coldest night my garden gets?", not "what is a typical winter here?".
This follows the RHS plant hardiness rating system (H1a–H7), the UK standard. For the US growing-zone view, see the strawberry guava USDA hardiness guide.
Does UK region change it?
Because strawberry guava is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
Overwintering strawberry guava in the UK
Overwintering strawberry guava in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Strawberry Guava UK hardiness — frequently asked questions
Is strawberry guava hardy in the UK?
Strawberry Guava is rated RHS H2 (tender, hardy to about 1 to 5°C). It is not winter-hardy anywhere in the UK and must be overwintered under cover.
Can strawberry guava stay outside over winter in the UK?
No. Strawberry Guava is frost-tender — a UK frost will kill it. Bring it indoors or into a frost-free greenhouse before the first autumn frost and return it outside only after the last spring frost.
What does RHS H2 mean?
RHS hardiness ratings run H1a (needs a heated glasshouse) to H7 (survives below -20°C). Strawberry Guava's rating, H2, means tender — it tolerates winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. The rating is an absolute minimum, not an average.
How do I overwinter strawberry guava in the UK?
Overwintering strawberry guava in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Does UK region change whether strawberry guava survives?
Because strawberry guava is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
More strawberry guava care
See the full strawberry guava care guide, its temperature & humidity needs, and the US (USDA) hardiness version of this page.