Botanical family: Punicaceae

Punica granatum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

According to Asian legend, the Pomegranate was the 'tree of life' in the Garden of Eden. Its irresistible appeal, color and legendary medicinal properties have been the object of great fascination. The tiny beads of fruit, full of precious oil and juice, are brilliant as drops of blood or rubies. These "drops of blood" from the pomegranate will help to build healthy red blood cells. The fruit have been consumed by man since before recorded history. There is a saying in Hindi: One pomegranate can serve one hundred sick people. It is a good antioxidant, enriches blood (red blood cells count, haemoglobin), good for heart and blood circulation. The beautiful flowers occur for several months. Cold hardy to 15F, drought-, salt- and poor-soil-tolerant, pomegranates are grown as dense shrubs, popular container plants and bonsai.

Learn more: Pomegranate: healing drops of blood...

See Article about Pomegranate.

Punica granatum Flore Pleno

This double variety makes a spectacular specimen plant. Can be grown in pots and will produce carnation like blooms, colored fiery red/orange from late winter through the fall. This pomegranate does not bear fruits. Fast-growing, good as a house plant, easy to grow.

See Article about Pomegranate.

Punica granatum Nana

Every aspect of this form is dwarf compared to the basic pomegranate - from its overall size to its finer leaves and smaller flowers and fruits. Due to this - it is a plant especially recommended for miniature bonsai and small styles. Apart from the pomegranate's stunning seasonal orange flowers, it presents so many other notable characteristics. It has a marvelous naturally-twisting style trunk, that very easily adopts a gnarled, ancient appearance - something widely sought in bonsai. Pomegranates can be very easily propagated - so group plantings can be quickly created from quite thick branches taken from a parent plant. If you shade the tree and keep it slightly dry before mid-season, the tree is encouraged to set flowering shoots. Place the pomegranate in a position of good light - but where it is sheltered from frost and not exposed to drying winds. Don't plant the pot in a dish or shallow container. It likes water and flowers well when it is slightly root-bound, so choose a pot that is a bit deeper than usual. This plant does not like hard freeze and is not very hardy. Also be careful when wiring as the branches of the pomegranate are very brittle and break easily. Prefers acidic, well-drained soil.

See Article about Pomegranate.