Diospyros lotus

RHS Plant Profile
date plum

Other common names

European date plum, lotus tree

Trees

A spreading, deciduous tree with glossy, dark green leaves up to 10cm long. Bears tiny, bell-shaped, greenish flowers in mid- to late summer followed, on female flowers and in a good summer, by yellow, orange or purple, plum-like but inedible fruit

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ebenaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Diospyros are deciduous trees and shrubs with bold, often glossy, leaves and fleshy, colourful fruit. Small bell- or urn-shaped male and female flowers usually occur on separate plants
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Requires deep, fertile, well-drained, loamy soil in full sun with shelter from cold wind and late spring frosts

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)