Diospyros lotus
date plum
A spreading, deciduous tree with glossy, dark green leaves up to 10cm long. Bears tiny, bell-shaped, greenish flowers in mid- to late summer followed, on female flowers and in a good summer, by yellow, orange or purple, plum-like but inedible fruit
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 | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Purple Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ebenaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- E Asia
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
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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