What Does a Pomegranate Tree Look Like?

A pomegranate tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. It’s pretty to look at all year with its shiny leaves, bright flowers, and bright red fruit. But what does a fully grown pomegranate tree look like? Let’s look at what makes this beautiful fruit tree unique.

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

In the spring and summer, the oval-shaped leaves are bright green. They resemble willow leaves in their glossy texture. The leaves turn yellow or red in the fall and then fall off. The foliage emerges alternately along the woody branches.

Flowers

The bright orange-red flowers are one of the most beautiful parts of the pomegranate. The flowers have tubular crumpled petals with ruffled edges. They bloom in spring or early summer at the branch tips, either alone or in groups. The blooms also attract pollinators like hummingbirds.

Fruit

By late summer or early fall, the red fruit is fully ripe. It’s round and about 2 to 5 inches wide, and the skin is thick and leathery. The rind is usually yellow with light pink to deep red spots on top of it. Inside, there are many white seeds that are full of juice. Each seed is surrounded by bright red, juicy 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.