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Diospyros lotus

date plum

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

Other common names
European date plum
lotus tree
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Orange Purple Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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)

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