Unusual & Old Fashioned Fruit Trees

Pomegranate - Punica Granatum.

The vast majority of English gardeners would never even think about attempting to grow a Pomegranate in their garden, but it is not so ridiculous as one might first think. Although the Pomegranate originally comes from Western Asia it is now grown widely between the Himalayas and the Balkans. There are several varieties grown in the UK as pot plants, or rather flowering plants for the conservatory, as the most popular variety has showy bright red flowers in the Summer. (When moving Pomegranates that have been potted though, do be aware that they do have the occasional thorn.)

However, this deciduous bush may well survive mild Winters if planted outdoors, particularly in the South of England. To give a Pomegranate the best chance of survival outside it should be planted in a very sheltered, well drained spot, against a South facing structure, such as a wall or greenhouse. It must be kept dry in the winter, but watered liberally in dry spells throughout the Summer. Frosts will almost certainly cut the growth back to ground level, but the Pomegranate is one of the few plants that will happily shoot again from below the ground in the right conditions.

In a long hot Summer it is possible that a Pomegranate grown outside may produce fruit that ripens. Alternatively, it can be grown in a large pot to put out on the patio for the Summer for its flowers and given shelter in the greenhouse for the Winter. Pomegranates will fruit best in a conservatory, but as maturity means a large bush, or small tree reaching up to 15 feet in height, it will need to be a big one.