About
Diospyros kaki, the Japanese persimmon, is a wide-spreading, deciduous tree with oval, shining, rich-green leaves to 20 cm long that turn spectacular shades of yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn. Pale-yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer, followed on female trees by large, sweet, orange or yellow persimmon fruits. One of the finest of all fruiting ornamental trees.
About the genus
Diospyros, the persimmons and ebonies, are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with bold, often glossy leaves and bell- or urn-shaped, male and female flowers on separate plants, followed by fleshy, edible or ornamental fruits. Grown as specimen trees for their foliage, autumn colour, fruit or timber.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toChina, Japan, Korea
Care notes
CultivationRequires deep, fertile, well-drained, loamy soil in full sun with shelter from cold wind and late spring frosts
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)