Overview
Punica granatum is a bushy shrubs in the genus Punica, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Punica granatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and wall side borders.
About
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing, deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows to between 1.5–5 metres (5–16 ft) tall. Pomegranate was first domesticated by ancient Iranians in the Iranian plateau and nearby regions about 5,000 years ago. It is extensively cultivated for its fruit. Pomegranate was exported from the Iranian plateau to other parts of Asia including Iraq, Turkey, and India, as well as parts of Africa and Europe. In the wild it grows across Caribbean, North America, Manizales, Afghanistan, Iran and other regions. It grows to around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pomegranate
About the genus
Punica is a small genus of fruit-bearing deciduous shrubs or small trees in the flowering plant family Lythraceae. The better known species is the pomegranate. The other species, the Socotra pomegranate, is endemic to the island of Socotra.
Wikipedia contributors, "Punica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Punica
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Punica
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Punica granatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Punica granatum
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Punica granatum?
Punica granatum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Punica granatum need?
Punica granatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Punica granatum grow?
Punica granatum reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Punica granatum hardy in the UK?
Punica granatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Punica granatum?
Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
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