PomegranatePomegranateThis deciduous shrub to small tree grows at a moderate rate from 12 to 20 feet high and spreads to at least half as wide unless pruned. The leaves are bronze in spring, bright green in summer, and golden in fall.
Tolerant of a wide range.
Tolerates any amount. Prefers deep occasional soakings. Once established, it tolerates periods of drought in areas receiving ten inches or more of annual rainfall.
Full or reflected sun. Accepts morning sun or open shade of the north side, but will be more open in form.
Tolerant. Accepts alkalinity.
Periodic. Some pruning and eventual removal of unused fruit.
Twiggy winter form is not especially attractive. Fruit can be infected with a variety of diseases. Sunburn in the hottest areas or a sudden increase in moisture will cause fruit to split. Fruit stains.
BloomRed blooms appear in April. Varieties with double blooms do not produce fruit.
Round red to bronze fruit, three inches in diameter, filled with seeds surrounded by red to pale translucent pulp. Pulpy seeds are very sweet and can be chewed or used to make juice or jelly.
Fruit is used for making Grenadine. Container plant. Birds like the fruit; hummingbirds like the flower.
Native of South Asia and has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region since ancient times. It was brought to the New World by the Spanish. Member of the Punicaceae family.
CultivarsThere are a number of cultivars. 'Nana' is a dwarf form, good for container growing. The flowers are orange-red and the fruit is inedible but decorative. It is nearly evergreen in warm places. 'Wonderful' and 'Sweet' are also fruiting varieties. 'Chico' is a compact bush.
Oriental, Mediterranean, Bird, Edible.