A pomegranate tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. With its glossy leaves, vibrant blooms, and ruby red fruit, it provides year-round visual interest. But what exactly does a mature pomegranate tree look like? Let’s explore the distinct characteristics of this eye-catching fruit tree.
Mature Size
A full grown pomegranate tree typically reaches 12-20 feet in height with a rounded, spreading shape. Dwarf varieties only grow 3-8 feet tall The pomegranate is considered a small tree or large shrub
Leaves
The leaves are oval-shaped with a bright green color in spring and summer. They resemble willow leaves in their glossy texture. In fall, the leaves transition to yellow or red before dropping. The foliage emerges alternately along the woody branches.
Flowers
One of the most ornamental features of the pomegranate are the showy orange-red blooms. The flowers have tubular crumpled petals with ruffled edges. They bloom singly or in clusters at the branch tips in spring or early summer. The blooms also attract pollinators like hummingbirds.
Fruit
The ripe, red fruit develops by late summer or early fall. It has a round shape between 2-5 inches wide with a thick, leathery skin or rind. The rind is typically yellow overlaid with light pink to deep red. Inside, there are many white, juice-filled seeds individually encapsulated in membranes and surrounded by juicy, bright red pulp called arils.
Bark
The trunk and older branches have gray bark with slight fissures or cracks. Younger branches are smoother and brownish-gray. Occasional spiny thorns may also emerge from the woody branches.
Roots
Below ground, the pomegranate has an extensive root system. The roots are shallow but wide-spreading.
Ideal Growing Conditions
For optimal growth and fruit production, pomegranates require full sun exposure and hot summers. They thrive in USDA zones 7-10. Pomegranates are somewhat drought tolerant but produce the best harvest with weekly watering. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent issues with fungal diseases.
Popular Varieties
Some popular pomegranate cultivars include:
- ‘Wonderful’ – Large, deep red fruit with sweet, juicy arils. Heavy yielding.
- ‘Early Foothill’ – Sweet, soft-seeded fruit that ripens early. Good for cooler climates.
- ‘Granada’ – Abundant, medium-sized fruit with a sweet yet tangy flavor.
- ‘Parfianka’ – Produces high yields of large, soft-seeded fruit ideal for juicing.
Ornamental Value
With its ruby red blooms, attractive foliage, and showy fruit, the pomegranate tree provides year-round visual interest and color. It makes a striking focal point in the garden. Dwarf varieties can be grown in containers on patios and decks.
Growing Stages
A pomegranate goes through several growing stages before it begins to bear fruit. After germinating, a sapling emerges and slowly matures over 3-5 years. In year 2-3, flowering and fruit production will begin. It takes 5-7 months after pollination for the pomegranates to fully ripen. Proper care and patience are required!
Size in Maturity
The pomegranate can range from a dwarf shrub around 3 feet tall to a tree reaching 30 feet. In warmer climates, they may be evergreen but are deciduous in most regions. With regular pruning, the size can be contained for smaller gardens.
Differences from a Bush
In its natural form, the pomegranate grows as a multi-trunked shrub. However, lower branches can be removed to create an attractive single or multi-trunk small tree, especially in warmer climates.
Final Thoughts
With its glossy green foliage, brilliant orange blooms, scarlet fruit, and architectural form, the pomegranate tree provides four-season visual interest. Now that you know what a mature pomegranate looks like, consider adding one of these striking fruit trees to your own landscape! With a little patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with an abundant harvest of delicious pomegranates.
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Im Greg. My goal is to help you grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. I write a new “Yard Post” every Friday.
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HOW to PLANT and GROW POMEGRANATES, plus WHEN to HARVEST, HOW to EAT, and what to do about BUGS
FAQ
Where do pomegranate trees grow best?
Pomegranate trees thrive in warm, arid climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. They are well-suited for USDA zones 8-11, withstanding temperatures down to 12°F.
How do you tell if you have a pomegranate tree?
Interestingly, wonderful pomegranate trees can reach up to 15 feet in height with a 10-foot spread. These trees produce beautiful red blooms in the spring and summer, and large red fruit in the fall. The fruit contains deep red, hard-textured arils with a sweet but tart flavor.
What’s the difference between a pomegranate tree and a pomegranate bush?
In its natural environment, the pomegranate is a multi trunked shrub, and perhaps it’s best to allow it to grow as such. That said, lower branches can be removed to form an attractive single or multi trunk tree in the warmer regions of the United States.
How big is a full grown pomegranate tree?
Pomegranate trees typically grow 6 to 20 feet tall (1.8 to 6 meters) and spread 4 to 15 feet wide (1.2 to 4.5 meters).