Native & adapted

Wax jambu

Syzygium samarangense

Also known as Wax apple · Java apple · Rose apple · Chomphu · Mận

A popular Asian fruit tree with glossy, bell-shaped fruit that is crisp, juicy and lightly sweet. Stays a small to medium shrub in Phoenix.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenContainer friendly

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

10–15 ft tall and 8–10 ft wide in Phoenix

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

10 ft from other trees

Frost

Damaged near 30°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10–11; damaged near 30°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Summer.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Sheltered, shaded spot or a large container.

Cold hardiness

Cover in a hard freeze below 28°F

Trees 3 to 5 years old take brief dips to about 28°F before major damage, but young trees need cover any time it freezes. Cold also stalls fruit growth and red color.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 28°F

Heat tolerance

Needs afternoon shade

Wants morning sun and afternoon shade plus extra water once it's over 90°F, so plan on shade all summer in Phoenix. It's a streamside tree that doesn't handle hot, dry climates well.

Sources:

gardenoracle.com , growables.org

Right plant, right place

Will Wax jambu grow at your Arizona property?

Grows well in a large container. Air-layered plants fruit quickly.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

High and steady in summer.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Fresh and chilled, or in salads.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Wax jambu thrive

1
Shade from afternoon sun when hot.
2
Keep soil evenly moist.
3
Cover on frost nights.
4
Bag or net fruit to keep birds off.

Read the horticultural reference ↗