About
A large shrub or small, bushy tree with oblong, glossy green leaves flushed bronze in spring. Funnel-shaped red flowers with crumpled petals are followed by edible red fruits with juicy, dark red pulp.
About the genus
Punica are deciduous shrubs of bushy habit, sometimes spiny, with simple leaves and showy red flowers, followed by spherical fruits with edible pulp
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, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile well-drained soil in full sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Requires high autumn temperatures (13-16°C) for fruit to ripen
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)