Lythraceae
Punica granatum
Make your entrance stand out with the Dwarf Pomegranate—an elegant, sun-loving shrub that rewards you with vivid blooms and charming red fruits. Perfect for patios and large pots, it stays naturally compact and responds beautifully to pruning for a tidy, designer look. If you want an outdoor feature plant that looks premium with minimal effort, this is an ideal choice.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Dwarf Pomegranate
Botanical Name: Punica granatum
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0124
Alternative Names:
زعروز
Standard
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Species: P. granatum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the semi-arid regions of Iran and northern India. Cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean basin, Middle East, South Asia and now widely grown in suitable climates worldwide, including Turkey, California, Spain and other subtropical regions.
4. Visual Characteristics
A deciduous shrub with smooth grey-brown bark and glossy, lanceolate leaves measuring 3–7 cm long. Produces showy, urn-shaped flowers 3–5 cm wide in shades of bright red to orange. Fruits are round berries 5–12 cm in diameter with thick reddish rind and hundreds of juicy edible arils inside.
5. Size & Dimensions
In containers and patio settings, typically 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft) tall and 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) wide at maturity. In-ground specimens can reach 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall and broad without pruning. Dwarf selections remain naturally compact.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun is ideal (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to maximize flowering and fruit set. Tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates but will fruit less vigorously.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil during active growth and fruit development, allowing the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Established plants exhibit moderate drought tolerance.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining loamy or sandy soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5. In pots, use a premium potting mix amended with coarse sand or perlite for drainage. Always provide adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in USDA zones 7b–10. Best temperatures range from 20–32 °C (68–90 °F). Young shoots can be damaged below –12 °C (10 °F), though mature plants tolerate brief cold snaps. Prefers moderate humidity; avoid overly humid, stagnant conditions.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring before new growth and again in mid-summer. Alternatively, use a slow-release formulation at the start of the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce fruit quality.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low-maintenance. Prune in late winter to remove dead wood, shape the canopy and control size. Thin out interior branches for air circulation. Repot container specimens every 2–3 years to refresh the soil.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken in spring or fall, by air layering, or from seed. Seeds require stratification and will take 5–7 years to fruit. Cuttings typically root within 4–8 weeks and fruit in 2–3 years.
13. Common Problems
Pests include aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and mealybugs. Diseases include fruit cracking (often due to irregular watering or heavy rain), fungal leaf spots (Cercospora spp.), bacterial blight, and root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to minimize issues.
14. Benefits & Uses
Valued for its ornamental flowers and decorative fruits. Arils are eaten fresh, juiced or used in cooking and baking. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. Bark, leaves and fruit extracts have traditional medicinal applications for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial uses.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Fruits and arils are safe and edible for humans and wildlife. Leaves and bark have been used in herbal medicine but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Non-toxic to pets under normal exposure.
Punica granatum
Make your entrance stand out with the Dwarf Pomegranate—an elegant, sun-loving shrub that rewards you with vivid blooms and charming red fruits. Perfect for patios and large pots, it stays naturally compact and responds beautifully to pruning for a tidy, designer look. If you want an outdoor feature plant that looks premium with minimal effort, this is an ideal choice.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Dwarf Pomegranate
Botanical Name: Punica granatum
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0124
Alternative Names:
زعروز
Standard
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Species: P. granatum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the semi-arid regions of Iran and northern India. Cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean basin, Middle East, South Asia and now widely grown in suitable climates worldwide, including Turkey, California, Spain and other subtropical regions.
4. Visual Characteristics
A deciduous shrub with smooth grey-brown bark and glossy, lanceolate leaves measuring 3–7 cm long. Produces showy, urn-shaped flowers 3–5 cm wide in shades of bright red to orange. Fruits are round berries 5–12 cm in diameter with thick reddish rind and hundreds of juicy edible arils inside.
5. Size & Dimensions
In containers and patio settings, typically 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft) tall and 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) wide at maturity. In-ground specimens can reach 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall and broad without pruning. Dwarf selections remain naturally compact.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun is ideal (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to maximize flowering and fruit set. Tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates but will fruit less vigorously.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil during active growth and fruit development, allowing the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Established plants exhibit moderate drought tolerance.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining loamy or sandy soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5. In pots, use a premium potting mix amended with coarse sand or perlite for drainage. Always provide adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in USDA zones 7b–10. Best temperatures range from 20–32 °C (68–90 °F). Young shoots can be damaged below –12 °C (10 °F), though mature plants tolerate brief cold snaps. Prefers moderate humidity; avoid overly humid, stagnant conditions.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring before new growth and again in mid-summer. Alternatively, use a slow-release formulation at the start of the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce fruit quality.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low-maintenance. Prune in late winter to remove dead wood, shape the canopy and control size. Thin out interior branches for air circulation. Repot container specimens every 2–3 years to refresh the soil.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken in spring or fall, by air layering, or from seed. Seeds require stratification and will take 5–7 years to fruit. Cuttings typically root within 4–8 weeks and fruit in 2–3 years.
13. Common Problems
Pests include aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and mealybugs. Diseases include fruit cracking (often due to irregular watering or heavy rain), fungal leaf spots (Cercospora spp.), bacterial blight, and root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to minimize issues.
14. Benefits & Uses
Valued for its ornamental flowers and decorative fruits. Arils are eaten fresh, juiced or used in cooking and baking. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. Bark, leaves and fruit extracts have traditional medicinal applications for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial uses.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Fruits and arils are safe and edible for humans and wildlife. Leaves and bark have been used in herbal medicine but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Non-toxic to pets under normal exposure.