About
Punica granatum, the pomegranate, is a rounded, deciduous shrub or small tree with glossy, narrowly oblong, bronze-flushed young leaves and funnel-shaped, bright-scarlet flowers 3�4 cm across in summer, sometimes followed by large, spherical, reddish-brown fruits up to 12 cm across containing the characteristic sweet, jewel-like seeds. A beautiful and ornamental shrub for a sunny, sheltered, well-drained border in a mild climate.
About the genus
Punica, the pomegranates, are deciduous shrubs or small trees with simple leaves and showy, funnel-shaped, orange-red flowers, followed by large, leathery, spherical fruits with edible, jewel-like seeds. Grown as ornamental and fruiting plants in sunny, sheltered, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toE Med. to Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost, in a large container or greenhouse bed, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in a well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Requires high autumn temperatures (13-16°C) for fruit to ripen
PruningPruning group 1 from spring to summer. Pruning group 13 if wall trained
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring or root semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)