Diospyros kaki (F)
Japanese persimmon
A spreading deciduous tree with oval, glossy, dark green leaves, up to 20cm long, which turn yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn. Small, pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers are produced in summer followed, on female trees, by edible, yellow or orange persimmon fruit
Other common names
Chinese date plumChinese persimmon
see morekaki
oriental persimmon
persimmon
Sharon fruit
Synonyms
Diospyros chinensis
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Purple Red Yellow Green | Orange Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ebenaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Diospyros are deciduous trees and shrubs with bold, often glossy, leaves and fleshy, colourful fruit. Small bell- or urn-shaped male and female flowers usually occur on separate plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China, Japan, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires deep, fertile, well-drained, loamy soil in full sun with shelter from cold wind and late spring frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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