Rose apple Syzygium jambos
Rose apple (Syzygium jambos) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Myrtaceae family, native to South-east Asia (Indo-Malaya). It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Rose apple in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rose apple at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (rose-scented) |
| Native to | South-east Asia (Indo-Malaya) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Florida, Réunion, Galápagos: check local rules before planting |
Is Rose apple toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, roots
Seeds and roots are reported as mildly toxic; the ripe flesh is eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rose apple
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Rose apple
- How far apart should I plant Rose apple?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Rose apple need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rose apple need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Rose apple?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Rose apple flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Rose apple poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Seeds and roots are reported as mildly toxic; the ripe flesh is eaten.
- What grows well with Rose apple?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rose apple. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Large powder-puff flowers and crunchy fruit that tastes and smells of roses. Spreads into forests on many tropical islands.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium