Punica granatum

RHS Plant Profile
pomegranate

Other common names

Carthaginian apple, granada

Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

A rounded shrub with glossy, narrowly oblong leaves, bronze in spring, and funnel-shaped bright scarlet flowers 3-4cm across in summer, sometimes followed by spherical, reddish-brown fruits up to 12cm across

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lythraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Punica are deciduous shrubs of bushy habit, sometimes spiny, with simple leaves and showy red flowers, followed by spherical fruits with edible pulp
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Med. to Himalaya

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring or root semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1 from spring to summer. Pruning group 13 if wall trained

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)