Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Orange

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Patio

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Pomegranate is a deciduous shrub growing about 6 to 10 feet tall and probably half as wide (it grows larger in a milder climate). In proper growing conditions, trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers bloom throughout the summer singlely or in clusters at the branch ends. Flowers give way to orange-sized, leathery-skinned, globose fruits (pomegranates to 2-4” diameter) that ripen to yellow tinged with red. Fruit interior is divided into compartments packed with fleshy, juicy, edible sacs (arils) that surround the seeds. The juicy sacs (along with the seed inside each) are edible fresh or may be incorporated into jams or jellies. It is not dependably hardy here, but you may be able to maintain a plant through proper diligence.

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-11, though there are a few around the valley planted next to south or west facing walls. Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants fruit best in areas with long, hot, dry summers (90s F) and cooler winters. Water plants regularly. Remove root suckers as they develop. Root mulch helps control unwanted weed growth. Prune as needed in late winter. Mulch heavily to help over-winter. Or, grow in containers placing them outdoors in bright, mostly sunny locations in summer with regular application of moisture; overwinter indoors in bright, cool locations with reduced watering. It grows down in St. George.