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Pomegaranate Tree Image by Yuliya Yuliya from PixabayDescription: 

After thousands of year’s humans are still cultivating pomegranate trees for their exotic looks, delicious fruit, and pretty orange-red blooms.  A pomegranate tree can make a perfect addition to your garden or patio as it doesn’t take up much space and grows well in large pots. 

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is one of the most ancient fruits known to mankind and deeply embedded in our history, dating back 4 000 years or more to Central Asia and Persia (Iran), where this apple-sized leathery fruit with its juicy bright red seeds became popular, providing both food and medicine for various cultures and civilizations. Since then the pomegranate has travelled the globe and impacted major civilizations throughout history.

Humans are still cultivating this shrub or little tree for its exotic looks, delicious fruit, and pretty orange-red blooms which appear in three flushes between September and November. The flowers are hermaphroditic, also known as perfect or bisexual flowers, meaning they can undergo self-pollination and are not dependent on pollinators. The tree is also cross-pollinated by insects which increases the yield.

Because pomegranates flower in stages, the fruit also ripens in stages, extending the harvesting season. The mature pomegranate is a complex fruit with an edible internal part and a hard skin that contains the colour pigment anthocyanin. Depending on the cultivar the skin can vary in colour from yellow and red to almost purple.

The close-packed red grains (arils) contain an angular-seed surrounded by an edible juicy pulp, which is classified as being sour, sweet-sour, or sweet. Pomegranates are divided into three main groups: Hard seeded, semi-hard seeded and soft seeded.

The tree is deciduous in some areas, but can also be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. 

Choose your planting site well because well-cared for pomegranate trees can bear fruit for over 30 years.

Cultivars/Varieties:

Several types of pomegranate are grown in gardens in South Africa.  

CLICK HERE TO SHOP FOR POMEGRANATE TREES AND OTHER FRUITS AND NUTS

Pomegranate ‘Mollar de Elche’

Mollar de Elche is named after the town of Elche, in Valencia, Spain. It is one of the best known of the old varieties with large, rounded fruit with basic cream skin, blushed with pinkish-red. The arils are dark pink in colour, juicy and low in acid, which makes it very sweet. The seeds are small and soft. The tree grows vigorously and is very productive, and the fruit matures between March and April.

Mollar de Elche’ tolerates light to moderate frost only. However, older, well-established plants will tolerate heavy frost for short periods of time.

Pomegranate ‘Wonderful’

The late-ripening 'Wonderful' is the most widely grown pomegranate in South Africa, and possibly the world. This classic variety sports large fruit with glossy skin that turns bright red when ripe. The arils are dark red in colour, very juicy, and of high quality. It has an exceptional, subtle sweet to tart taste with an almost wine-like character. The seeds are semi-hard. Fruit ripens in late February to April. It is an excellent variety for fresh eating and good for juicing.

Wonderful is a tree with a strong upright growth habit. It will tolerate moderate frost once established.

Pomegranate ‘Baghwa’

Baghwa is a vigorous growing tree also known as “Kesar”. This variety is known for its medium-sized fruit with an excellent quality. It is easily recognizable by its deep reddish-pink to reddish-purple skin that is often slightly rough and thick. The skin can sometimes have a slightly yellowish or brownish tint.

The arils are known for their bright red colour and regarded as one of the sweetest pomegranate varieties available. The seeds are soft and chewy. Fruiting season is from mid-March to April. 

Although established trees can take short spells of quite low temperatures, Baghwa is not really suitable for cold, frosty areas. It stays almost evergreen in sub-tropical areas, and is known for its good coastal tolerance.

Pomegranate ‘Parfianka’

 Parfianka is considered to be one of the best tasting cultivars. It produces medium to large sized, bright red fruit of good quality with arils that are deep red in colour. It has an excellent sweet, slightly tangy taste and the seeds are small, very soft and chewable. It is a vigorous grower with very good, consistent production. Fruit ripens from February and is excellent for eating and juicing.

It was developed by the Gargalla Agricultural Research Station in Turkmenistan, and is a vigorous growing tree with a compact bushy growth habit, and will tolerate moderate frost once established.  

Pomegranate ‘Pazz’

Pazz pomegranate trees are a relatively new variety known for their unique qualities and characteristics. They are large, red-skinned fruit with deep red arils that are juicy with a sweet-tart flavour that is highly prized, and has soft, edible seeds.

Pazz pomegranates are considered moderately vigorous growers. They can tolerate some cold, but prolonged frost can damage the fruit and affect flowering.

Pomegranate ‘Cranberry’

The fruits of Cranberry are medium sized, and blocky shaped with an attractive glossy, dark-red skin. The juicy dark red arils are almost the same colour as a cranberry, and a good quality and size. It has a strong flavour that is sweet with a strong tart after taste. The seeds are semi-hard and chewable.

Developed by the University of California Cranberry is a vigorous growing tree with a tall bushy growth habit. It will tolerate moderate frost once established.

Pomegranate Purple Heart

Purple Heart produces medium to large fruit with a creamy-yellow based skin that is mottled and blushed with light red. The arils are medium to large, juicy and very dark purple-red colour. It has strong flavour and a well-balanced sweet-sour taste. The seeds are semi-hard. Fruit ripens from April.

Purple Heart is a vigorous growing tree that was developed in the United States. It will tolerate moderate to severe frost once established.

Pomegranate ‘Sirenevyi’

Sirenevyi produces large rounded fruits with a light-yellow base skin, mottled with a coral-pink colour. The very juicy arils are surprisingly attractive and a very dark, almost purple colour, and a subtle, sweet taste with no tartness. The seeds are very soft and chewable. Fruits ripen from early March.

Sirenevyi is one of the best late ripening varieties from Turksmenistan, and an excellent variety for eating fresh. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. 

Pomegranate ‘Corban’

Corban produces large fruits with glossy skin blushed with light-red when ripe. The ruby red arils are very juicy and sweet, and the seeds are soft. Fruits ripen from early March, and are excellent for eating fresh and also good for juicing.

It has a strong upright growth habit that, and will tolerate light to moderate frost once established.

Pomegaranate Flower Image by PublicDomainPictures from PixabayHistory & Interesting Facts:

Punica granatum is one of the most ancient fruits known to mankind and deeply embedded in our history, providing both food and medicine for various cultures and civilizations.

The word pomegranate comes from the Medieval Latin “pomum granatum,” meaning apple of many grains or seeds, and old cookbooks suggest that Europeans were using pomegranates 500 years ago, and they used the tart juice as a condiment, much as we use lemon juice today to cut the fats and oils common to certain foods.

Domestication of the pomegranate is believed to have begun in Central Asia and Persia nearly 4,000 years ago, and then spread east and west through hot, arid regions of India, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean coast.

The Romans mistakenly assumed pomegranates came from Africa, and the genus name given to pomegranates (Punica) was the Roman name for Carthage, an ancient city in Northern Africa.

The pomegranate was cultivated in Egypt before the time of Moses. When Tutankhamen was entombed in the Valley of the Kings pomegranates were put in the tomb, along with all the cherished possessions his people believed he would require on the “other side”.

When Islamic invaders occupied Spain and Sicily they brought the pomegranate with them. The Moorish king of Granada used the pomegranate as his heraldic emblem, and this province of Spain is thought to be named for the fruit and in many regions pomegranates are still commonly called “Granada fruit”.  Pomegranates were later introduced to the Americas in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries and traders.

Because of its exotic appearance and prolific seed clusters, the pomegranate is rich with symbolic meanings that are as abundant as the seeds themselves.

In the Quran, pomegranates grow in the Garden of Paradise and are referred to on multiple occasions as ‘God’s good creations’. In Turkey, a bride traditionally determined how many children she would have by smashing a pomegranate to the ground to see how many seeds were expelled.

The pomegranate was also highly esteemed by the wandering Israelites as a symbol of sanctity, abundance and faithfulness. The fruit was embroidered into the hem of the high priest's robes and carved into the capitals of the temple pillars. According to Ancient Iranian Christianity the pomegranate is believed to be the real forbidden fruit rather than the apple.

In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was known as the ‘fruit of the dead’ as it was said to have arisen from the blood of Adonis. It also prominently featured in the myth of Hades and Persephone, where Hades, God of the underworld, used pomegranate seeds to trick Persephone into returning to the underworld for a third of each year. After this period, she came back to earth, signalling the beginning of spring. Thus the pomegranate became a symbol of rejuvenation and eternal life.

Alongside death, the pomegranate also symbolised fertility in Ancient Greece and Rome. It had a strong association to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, as well as Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth. In Ancient Rome newlywed women wore crowns woven from pomegranate leaves, and the juice of pomegranates was used to cure infertility.

Influenced by the Persephone myth, the early Christians associated the pomegranate with resurrection. The multitude of seeds contained within became a symbol of chastity, and the unity of many under one authority, namely the church.

In China, the pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, and Buddha is often depicted holding a pomegranate suggesting an abundance of sons, a peach to represent years, and a citron for happiness.

Health Benefits:

Ancient cultures understood the health benefits of pomegranates and used them in remedies for digestive disorders, skin disorders, and intestinal parasites, to name a few.

Modern day research has revealed that pomegranates may contribute towards preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants and pomegranate seed oil is a rich source of punicic acid (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) and used in natural cosmetics and skin care. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, iron, and folic acid.

Pomegaranate seeds Image by Karyna Panchenko from PixabayIn the Kitchen:

Pomegranate seeds are delicious and versatile, making them easy additions to a variety of dishes. The edible portion of the fruit includes the seeds and the juice-filled sacs that cover them.  Pomegranate seeds or juice can be used as a substitute for citrus when it is called for in a recipe. Dried pomegranates seeds and juice sacs are available as spices in specialty stores.

Pomegranates can be made into jellies, sauces and syrups, and are refreshing in puddings and desserts. They are also a delicious topping for chilled fruits or ice cream. Toss them into a green or fruit salad, or sprinkle some seeds onto your yogurt or oatmeal. They are also great added to smoothies or juices.

Pomegranate juice formed the base for the original French Grenadine. This thick, non-alcoholic, red-coloured syrup was used in cocktails. Not any more though, today’s Grenadine does not contain any pomegranate, so why not make your own Grenadine to use as flavouring for many beverages like sangria, cocktails, or mocktails.

Pomegranate juice, with its tangy and sweet flavour can also be made into wine.

Pomegranates work well in savoury dishes too, so get creative and try using them as a tangy garnish on avocado toast, or to garnish grilled meat dishes and seafood. There is a whole world of yummy pomegranate recipes online like: Pomegranate Chicken Salad; Sweet Potatoes with Coconut, Pomegranate, and Lime; Spinach Pomegranate Salad; Pomegranate and Kiwi Salsa; and Ginger Orange Pomegranate Relish.

Storing Pomegranates

The storage of pomegranates is similar to that of apples.  They should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight.  Whole fruit can be refrigerated and will keep as long as 2 months.  Fresh seeds or juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  

Pomegranate arils can be frozen for later use.  Spread a single layer of the arils, on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Put them in the freezer for no more than 2 hours, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container for storage.  The juice can also be canned, however freezing is recommended as it maintains the flavour and colour better.  Frozen juice is best if used within one year.

How to remove pomegranate seeds

One popular and easy method for removing pomegranate seeds involves using a wooden spoon.

First, cut the fruit in half around the middle. Then, hold it over a bowl with the seed side facing down. Firmly hit the pomegranate skin with the back of a wooden spoon until all the seeds have fallen out.

Rinse and strain the seeds to remove any unwanted pith remnants. Now, the arils are ready to enjoy.

In the Garden:

Pomegranates flaunt their lush green leaves and repeat flushes of vibrant red flowers in spring and summer, and in late summer and autumn their exotic fruits are harvested, giving garden landscapes interest and colour for 3 out of the 4 seasons!

Pomegranate trees are very versatile and can be used in a variety of creative ways in the landscape, and adding a unique flair to your garden design.

In small gardens they make enchanting small specimen trees, and in colder regions they are deciduous, allowing the winter sunshine into the garden.

They also grow easily in large pots or containers. Choose large, statement pots to create a focal point with your pomegranate trees. Larger patios can accommodate multiple trees, creating a mini orchard vibe that's perfect for entertaining or relaxation. For smaller patios, a single pomegranate tree can serve as an elegant centrepiece, especially when under planted with complementary flowers or herbs. Pomegranate trees also make wonderful bonsai trees.

Pomegranates make good screening plants and hedges, and are popular for growing as espalier - the process of controlling plant growth in a flat plane, usually against a wall or fence, or along a trellis.

If you are interested in the science of espalier, and would like to learn ways of growing fruit trees in small spaces, members can click here to read my article “How to grow fruit trees in small spaces”.

Cultivation:

CLICK HERE TO SHOP FOR POMEGRANATE TREES AND OTHER FRUITS AND NUTS

What is the most suitable climate for Pomegranates?

Pomegranates thrive in subtropical Mediterranean type climates with cool winters and hot summers.

The trees are extremely heat tolerant once established, and perform best when temperatures are above 29°C for at least 120 days a year.

Commercial pomegranate production in South Africa is mainly based in the Western Cape (80%). In the Northern Cape, pomegranates are mainly planted along the Orange River due to the availability of water. Some plantings are also found in the Southern Cape.

Pomegranates are also commercially cultivated in several areas of Limpopo Province, including near Polokwane, Groblersdal, and the Waterberg District Municipality. In South Africa, commercially grown fruit from Limpopo can be harvested early, by the end of January, and sent to Northern Hemisphere markets before fruit from competitor countries such as Peru.

Are Pomegranate trees cold and frost hardy?

This Mediterranean crop does extremely well in cold and frosty regions like Gauteng and commercial farming of pomegranates is growing in this region. 

Although most types of pomegranate are hardy down to -11°C once they are established, with the hardier types surviving without damage down to -13°C, the trouble starts when severe frost and temperatures around -10°C occur on a regular basis, and although established trees will withstand these temperatures, this will affect growth and therefore fruiting.

The trees are most susceptible to frost damage prior to reaching full "dormancy" in autumn, and again at bud break in spring. It is during these periods that the bark is most susceptible to damage from frost, which usually occurs first on the south side of the tree closest to the ground. If frost damage is a problem, a possible solution is to paint the lower bark white with latex paint in order to reduce fluctuations between day and night time temperature extremes.

If you live in a colder region, plant in a warm sheltered position on the northern side of your house to maximise light and warmth. If you have your pomegranate in a pot, you can easily move it closer to the house so that it receives some radiant heat from the walls at night.

Do Pomegranate trees have minimum chill hour requirements?

With the exception of a few cold-hardy cultivars, which require temperatures to drop below -5°C in winter to fruit well, the majority of pomegranate varieties do not require winter chill hours.

However, all varieties will benefit from a winter rest period or "dormancy".

Can Pomegranate trees be grown in pots?

Pomegranates are one of the easiest fruits to grow in large pots because they have a shallow root system, when compared with other fruit trees.

Do Pomegranate trees require full sun?

In full sun exposure the best fruit will be produced, but trees will also flower and fruit in semi-shade.

For orchards, align the rows and planting slopes for optimum sun exposure and good soil drainage. A north-south orientation is best as the plant gets an equal amount of sunlight on both sides of the tree during the day. Allow at least 5m between rows and at least 2m between trees in a row.

If an orchard is too crowded, production is lowered as fruits are set only at the top of the trees, and colouring of the fruit is poor.

How much water do Pomegranate trees require?

Pomegranates are drought tolerant, and more likely to die from too much water than too little. Young trees need regular irrigation until they are established. Thereafter, established trees will only need a thorough watering, about once every 2 to 3 weeks during the dry season.

For a high fruit yield the trees should be irrigated during long dry spells, and particularly during harvesting time in late summer and early autumn. This will also reduce the number of fruits that split.

As your tree begins its rest period in late autumn and winter, you should still water it at least once a week because it is difficult to raise the soil moisture levels fast enough after winter if you cease watering altogether. Adapt to your local weather conditions and in our winter rainfall areas, you may not need to water at all.  

In spring increase watering to twice a week and in the height of summer you may need to water your plants 2 to 3 times per week.  As always, adapt your watering schedule to local conditions and accommodate for summer rainfall or hot dry periods.

Potted specimens may need more frequent watering than those growing in garden beds, so check the plants regularly.

Your pomegranate fruit may split with too much water or inconsistent watering during late fruit development. Thankfully, split fruit is still edible!

What soil type is best for Pomegranates?

Pomegranates will adapt to most garden soils will good drainage, but they thrive in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a PH range from 5 to 7.5. Increase the microbial life in the soil by adding good quality compost when planting. If your soil is alkaline, amend the soil with acid compost, soil sulphur or aluminium sulphates.

Compact soils will restrict root penetration as well as oxygen, water penetration and water movement in the soil. In shallow soils, the availability of soil volume per tree is smaller and the tree is more susceptible to drought and malnutrition.

Avoid growing pomegranates on poorly drained soils with high clay content as this might lead to root rot. If your soil has less than perfect drainage, plant your tree on the side of, or at the top of a slope. If you have a flat garden, consider building a mound or a raised garden bed to increase drainage, or use a large pot.

Mulching around the base of the plant regularly with organic material will help to retain moisture, and keep weeds away. Ensure that the mulch is not piled up against the trunk.

Fertilising Pomegranate trees

During late winter and early spring the trees should be fertilized with a high nitrogen and potassium mix like 5:1:5 NPK with the first irrigation cycle to boost the trees after winter and assist with flowering. For the rest of the season, feed regularly with 2:3:2 NPK and guano boost.

After all the fruit has been harvested feed the trees for the last time and then slowly start to reduce the frequency of watering to prepare them for their winter dormancy.

To prevent nutrient deficiencies regularly enrich your soil with organic matter.  One of the few common deficiencies in pomegranates is zinc (Zn), recognised as a yellowing of immature leaves, smaller leaf size, and withered stems.

Foliar applications may include foliar zinc (Zn) after fruit set, and boron (B) during flowering, and liquid kelp. Trelmix is a great foliar spray with both macro and micro nutrients.

Potted specimens will need regular feeding throughout the growing season.

Thinning fruit clusters

Trees benefit from thinning out of fruit clusters after fruit set. Fruit set is when new fruit is just beginning to take shape after flowering.

Pomegranate Bonsai Image by Jürgen from PixabayHarvesting:

The fruit must ripen on the tree, which will happen six to seven months after flowering. The rule of thumb dictates that when you tap the fruit and it makes a metallic sound it is ripe.

There is a fine balance in harvesting pomegranates as the fruit must be ripe, but when it is overripe it may crack open. This can be caused by a slight change in humidity, dry wind, rain, or even insufficient water.

The fruit needs to be clipped off the tree rather than pulled off as pulling the fruit off can tear the skin. Like apples, pomegranates have a long shelf life and can be stored for up to four months in optimum conditions.

Pruning:

Fruit is borne only at the tips of new growth, so in the first three years it is prudent to shorten the branches annually, to encourage the maximum number of new shoots on all sides.

After the third year trim out the suckers and dead branches and maintain the shape of the plant. Even mature trees grow vigorously and send up a large number of suckers (shoot and basal) that need to be removed each year.

Light pruning each year encourages the growth of new flower and fruit bearing spurs. Bent branches, and those that interfere with others, need to be removed to keep the interior of the tree open.

Propagation:

Pomegranate trees can be grown from seeds or propagated from hardwood cuttings, but it's best to initially buy a named cultivar from a garden centre.

Take 25 to 50cm long hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be placed in a garden bed with one or two buds above the soil and allowed to remain in place for a year. Thereafter they can be transplanted to their permanent positions.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Pomegranates, like most fruit trees, may be susceptible to various pest species.

Preventative spraying for controlling false codling moth and fruit fly is highly recommended.

Members can click here to read more about coddling moths.

Members can click here to read more about fruit fly

Aphids, will attack young shoots and leaves which appear as twisting or curled new growth.

Members can click here to read more about aphids

Scale insects are often visible as white, yellow, or dark ‘disk’ shaped invertebrates on the stems. You should be able to remove them from the stem easily with your fingernail. The first sign of scale is normally ants travelling up and down the stems, in order to farm the scale.

Members can click here to read more about scale.

Also watch out for mealybugs, mites, and whitefly.

Spraying the trees as a preventative measure will go a long way in controlling these pests. The first spray should be done after 80% of the blossoms have fallen, and every 14 days thereafter. Insecticides are always applied after most of the petals of the blossoms have fallen, and never when the trees are in full bloom, because of the high risk of harming pollinators like bees.

Neem oil is a great preventative bio-pesticide of plant origin for the control of all the insects mentioned above, and many others too. In addition to deterring feeding insects, neem functions to suppress moulting of certain insects, including Codling Moth and Plum Curculio, disrupting the normal metabolic activity of insects.

Our spraying programme for deciduous stone fruits is great to use on pomegranate trees. Members can click here to find it.

Diseases are rare in well-maintained trees.

The most common disease in pomegranates is root rot, often caused by over-watering, which can be difficult to control in periods of high rainfall. Be attentive to how fast your soil dries and base your watering schedule around this.

Pomegranates can also suffer from black rot that affects fruit.

Keep mulch well away from the trunk to avoid collar rot, and water correctly.

Being a Mediterranean shrub, pomegranates love hot, dry places. By replicating this as best as you can, you’ll have no problems with the above diseases. Healthy plants are more resilient, and can bounce back better.

Loropetalum chinense. Picture by Megan Hansen from flickrDescription:

The Chinese Fringe Flower is a charming shrub, and a relative newcomer to the gardening scene. Gardeners are embracing it for its winning combination of showy evergreen foliage and brightly coloured flowers.  

With the speed of its commercialization, numerous cultivars are in cultivation, and new ones continue to be released. However, some confusion exists as to how many of the cultivars are, in actuality, different from each other. Regardless of this, the good news for gardeners is that the cultivars have lovely variations in leaf and flower colour, as well as growth form.

 Where does the Chinese fringe flower originate?

Loropetalum chinense, also known as Chinese fringe-flower, is native to woodlands in China, Southeast Asia and Japan. It is a member of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae).

How big does the Chinese fringe flower grow?

This evergreen is generally sold as a small to medium-sized shrub which grows to a height of around 2m. However, mature plant size may vary due to growing conditions and climate, and if it loves where its growing the plant can easily mature to reach heights of around 3 to 4.5m with a similar or slightly smaller width.

It has a loose, slightly open habit and a roughly rounded to vase-shaped form. The simple leaves are arranged alternately on somewhat arching branches and come in highly ornamental shades of red, pink, or purple.

When does the Chinese fringe flower bloom?

The plants generally bloom in late winter and spring, but cultivars like ‘Plum Gorgeous’ will bloom again when the weather cools down in autumn, extending the season.

The genus name, Loropetalum, is derived from the Greek words for ‘strap’ and ‘petal’, and refers to the long, thin petals of the fringe-like blooms.

The showy flowers have a light fragrance and come in white to off-white and in shades of pink to cerise. Generally, 3 to 6 blooms are clustered at the tips of the shoots as well as in the leaf axils.

Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’ ™

‘Plum Gorgeous’ is named for its rich plum coloured, showy new growth, maturing to olive green. Its growth habit is dense, slightly weeping and naturally rounded. The tassel-like flowers are a deep, vivid raspberry shade and appear in profusion.

Loropetalum chinense. Picture by harum.koh from flickrIn the Garden:

Loropetalums show excellent versatility in the landscape, and an easy choice for low-maintenance gardens.

They can be trained as espaliers to cover fences and walls, or simply trained along a trellis for privacy. They are even good to bonsai.

The purple-leafed forms are a good contrast to both green and golden leaved plants, making them most attractive when grown in groups, or in mixed shrub borders.

Fringe flowers are also good for foundation plantings as their roots are not invasive.

They make attractive informal screens or hedges, but lose their naturally graceful form if heavily pruned.

When limbed up, they form lovely, small garden trees, and because they also grow easily in large pots, even a small balcony, courtyard or patio garden can sport a Chinese fringe flower.

Cultivation:

Is the Chinese fringe flower cold hardy?

The plant is reliably frost and cold hardy to around -5°C. Protect young plants with a frost cover for their first and second winters, or until they are reasonably established.

In extremely cold regions it would be best to cultivate in a pot which can be moved under cover for the winter. A sheltered patio, unheated greenhouse, or poly-tunnel will offer sufficient winter protection.

Select a site sheltered from strong winds.

Do Chinese fringe flowers require sun or shade?

Although fringe flowers are heat tolerant, their preferred growing conditions include sun to partial shade, with protection from the hot midday heat.  They do very well in morning sun and afternoon shade.

What soil type does the Chinese fringe flower prefer?

Loropetalum grows best in slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, and which is moisture retentive but also well drained. If the ground needs improving, dig in plenty of compost or acid compost before planting.

Plants growing in good garden soil will need very little extra care once established. An annual mulch of leaf mould, composted bark, or garden compost should be sufficient to keep the soil in a good condition.

For potting use a good commercial, loam-based potting mix. And if the soil needs amending you can add some vermiculite or palm peat to the soil, and adding a slow-release fertiliser will give your potted plant a good start.

How to fertilise the Chinese fringe flower.

The Chinese fringe flower responds well to a light application of slow-release fertilizer twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Potted specimens will require more frequent feeding during the growing season.

How much water does the Chinese fringe flower need?

During the first growing season water regularly and deeply about twice a week, and especially during long dry spells.

Once established, the Chinese fringe flower is very tolerant of drought conditions, but to look at its best, water moderately during long, dry spells.

Potted plants will need more frequent watering than those growing in the ground, so check your plants regularly, especially during very hot weather.

Be careful not to overwater though, and raise the pot off the bottom of its drip tray by standing it on gravel. This will allow you to water properly but the pot itself will not be standing in water, which can lead to root rot.

How to prune the Chinese fringe flower.

The fringe flower does not have to be pruned, unless you are training it into a screen, or for espalier. However, it will tolerate even heavy pruning very well.

To maintain a bushy shape, prune back lightly, and at the same time remove any straggly or damaged branches.

If possible, prune in spring or early summer when the plant has finished blooming, in order not to reduce flowering the following spring.

Loropetalum may be limbed up to form lovely small trees.

Propagation:

Take semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer, from the current year’s growth that is just starting to become woody. Root in pots of well-drained growing medium, in a heated propagator.

Like many evergreen shrubs, layering is the easiest way to propagate Loropetalum, although this takes about a year.

To layer, select healthy, preferably fairly young shoots growing close to the ground and peg them down so part of the stem is in the ground

To help stimulate rooting, make a small wound on the underside of the branch at the point of contact with the soil.

When roots have formed, cut off the rooted shoot from the parent plant, and plant in a pot to establish.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Normally, Loropetalums have few serious pest or disease problems.

Root rot can be an issue, especially in poorly drained soils.

Leaves may become chlorotic (yellow) in alkaline soils with a pH greater than 7.0.

If planted in full sun, or a cold exposed site, the leaves may scorch.

Quince Image by Hans from PixabayWere do quinces originate?

This small tree or shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae) is grown for its edible fruit and lovely blossoms. Quince is the only member of the genus Cydonia and is native to Iran, Turkey, and possibly Greece and the Crimean Peninsula.

It is related to apples and pears, and although a large number of quince varieties have been identified around the world, only a small percentage are grown commercially.

How big do quince trees grow?

The quince is a small and very ornamental garden tree which can be pruned into a large shrub, reaching anything from 3 to 6m in height with a spread of 4m. It is deciduous and loses its leaves in autumn.

In South Africa, the most readily available quince variety is ‘Portugal’, which has pear-shaped fruit that goes yellow to orange when ripe, offering a mild flavour and soft flesh that turns red during cooking.

Do quince trees need a pollinator tree?

Quince trees are self-fertile so you only need the one tree, however, planting more than one can increase your crop.

How long do quince trees take to fruit?

The tree should start bearing fruit within 2 to 3 years after planting. A quince tree can live for periods in excess of 50 years and has an economic lifespan of approximately 25 years.

Quince flower. Image by Teodor Buhl from PixabayWhen will quince trees bloom and fruit?

The beautiful fragrant blossoms appear in early spring and are usually a shade of pink or white. The blossoms will attract a host of valuable pollinators to the garden.

The fruit of the various types of quinces ranges from pear-shaped to more apple-shaped, and they come mostly in shades of yellow to golden and orange. Green, immature fruits are covered in a white sticky fluff, and the flesh is firm, astringent and woody.

Fruits slowly develop through summer and the fruit is generally ready to harvest in late autumn or early winter. Wait for the colour of the fruit to change and the white wool to disappear. The flesh of properly ripe fruit will be softer and have the characteristic floral scent that makes quinces so palatable.

Can I eat quince raw?

While quinces can be eaten raw, they are not often eaten raw due to their tartness and tough skin. The flavour is compared to a combination of crisp pears and tart apples. Cooked quinces have a sweeter, more delicate flavour and a softer texture than raw quinces

Quince 'Portugal' In the Kitchen:

Even when ripe, raw quinces are tart and dry and some find them unpleasant to eat off the tree. Cooked quinces, however, are an altogether different proposition, with a flavour reminiscent of both apples and pears.

These fruits can be added to a variety of fruit tarts and pies, including apples and pears to create a zingy new flavour profile. The fruits make delicious jellies, jams or preserves. Cooked in a sugary syrup its wonderful eaten with yoghurt or various cheeses.

The fruit has a high pectin content, which allows it to be made into a sliceable jam which is called quince paste, or ‘quince cheese in reference to it often being sold in rounds like cheese.  Quince past is a popular jelly or jam that forms a block that can be sliced and is excellent eaten with cheese or cured meats. 3 quinces

Health benefits of quince

Quince is known to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Cultivation:

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What climate is best for quince trees?

Quinces thrive in a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Therefore they do extremely well in our winter rainfall regions.

Cold weather isn’t a problem, and neither is frost. The trees are not well-suited to subtropical climates.

How much sun do quince trees need?

They require full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production, but will tolerate some light shade.

What soil type do quince trees require?

Quince trees will grow in most fertile, well-drained garden soils. They prefer a deep and fertile loam that retains some moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged, with an acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

If you have very sandy soil add plenty of compost to the soil before planting and apply organic mulch in spring and autumn.

Planting

Dig a planting hole deep enough to accommodate the tree’s root system. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union is above ground level. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly. You may add some bone meal or slow release fertiliser to the planting hole, but if your soil is fertile feeding now is optional.

How much water do quince trees need?

Quince trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching regularly around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture.

How to fertilise quince trees

Most garden soils contain sufficient nutrients for a quince tree to grow healthily, though applying a fertiliser for fruiting plants can be applied each spring.  

Slow release fertilisers also work well, and excellent to use for trees growing in pots.

Nitrogen can be applied in slow-release form, but avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which act quickly, or chicken manure, as too much nitrogen will stimulate shoot growth rather than encourage flower and fruit formation.

Harvesting quinces

Quince fruit is typically ready for harvest in the late summer to early autumn, depending on the variety. They are ready when the fruits turn green to yellow and can be separated easily from the tree.

Pruning quince trees?

Pruning is essential for shaping the tree and promoting fruit production. Prune quince trees during their winter dormant season (late winter or early spring). Remove dead or diseased branches and thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation.

Growing quince trees in pots?

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You can grow quince trees in large pots, at least 90cm in diameter, using a good quality free draining loam based compost.

Potted plants always need more frequent watering than those growing in the soil. Aim to keep the compost moist at all times, but do not leave the pot standing in a drip tray continually filled with water, or you risk drowning the roots. During extremely hot dry weather check your plant daily.

Potted quince trees will need regular feeding during spring and early summer. A balanced liquid or slow-release fertiliser for fruiting plants is best, together with organic mulch.

For potted plants trim back all the new growths to 8 to 10cm when the plant is dormant in winter. Most of next season’s flower buds will then develop on these spurs. As well as limiting the tree’s size this will also maintain an even and balanced rounded shape

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

In the garden quinces are usually trouble-free, so a regular spraying program may not be necessary, but watch out for signs of pests and diseases.

Why are the leaves on my quince tree turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on quince trees are often a red flag for nutrient deficiencies. Nitrogen shortage often targets the older leaves, turning them pale, while new growth might appear stunted.

A lack of iron is typically more visible on younger leaves, which may turn yellow but retain green veins

Feed with products like iron chelate or use a trace element feeder like Trelmix.

Why is my quince not fruiting?

There are several reasons why a quince tree might not bear fruit, including its age, flower bud damage, temperature disruptions, and poor pollination.

Fire Blight

Fire Blight is a big deal and can totally devastate quince trees and its relatives, like apples and pears, as well as other trees. A bacterial infection, it is usually evident in oozing cankers on the trunk as well as blooms, and it can spread to the branches and root systems, sometimes eventually even killing the tree.

It can be treated with a copper based fungicide solution.

Quince Rust

Quince rust is a fungal disease which causes deformed fruit that just won’t ripen and soften.

It can spread to apple trees in the vicinity, but thankfully it can be treated with a copper solution or other fungicide.

Pests

Quince trees can be susceptible to various pests like aphids and scale insects. Regularly inspect your trees and take appropriate measures.

Neem oil is great for controlling insect pests in the garden.

Neem oil comes from the Neem tree and is a great choice for gardeners because it is used to control a wide range of insects, (up to 200 types) including: aphids, caterpillars, white fly, red spider mites, leaf-miners, mealybugs, thrips, fruit flies, leaf hopper and weevils.

Insects don’t become immune to Neem oil, and the key insecticidal ingredient found in the tree is Azadirachtin, a naturally occurring substance. It blocks the insect’s production and release of vital hormones rendering them unable to moult, thus breaking their life cycle. Depending on the stage of life-cycle, insect death may not occur for several days.

Azadirachtin acts as a feeding deterrent for some insects, but for those who do take a nibble, if only minute quantities are ingested the insects stop feeding. Residual insecticidal activity is evident for up to seven days or longer, depending on insects and application rate.

Neem oil is biodegradable and safe for gardens with pets and areas with wildlife. Because neem products must be ingested to be effective, they are relatively harmless to insects that pollinate crops and trees, such as butterflies, spiders and bees, as well as our beloved lady bird bugs that consume aphids and are a welcome sight in the garden, and not forgetting the beneficial wasps that control various crop pests.

Only insects that feed on plant tissue succumb, while those that feed on nectar or other insects rarely contact significant concentrations of neem products. Try to avoid spraying directly into blossoms, if possible, and to spray when pollinators are not that active. Also, do not apply in temperatures above 30°C.

Is quince toxic?

The seeds of the fruit contain hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous.

While the flesh of the fruit is non-toxic, pet owners should note the presence of cyanide in seeds, leaves, and stems, as these parts are not pet-friendly. Quince is also rich in tannins, which can cause stomach upset and potential allergic reactions in sensitive pets.