Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon)
Japanese Persimmon, Chinese Date Plum, Chinese Persimmon, Oriental Persimmon, Kaki
Long-lived and incredibly beautiful, Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon) is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown clothed in glossy, dark green, oval leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm). They turn yellow, orange or reddish-purple in the fall, creating a glorious display. Pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear after the leaves emerge in the spring and mostly go unnoticed. They are followed, on female trees, by a profusion of edible, yellow or orange persimmon fruit, usually the size of a medium-sized tomato. The tree is a sight to behold when the leaves have fallen, displaying the bright fruits throughout the canopy. They attract wildlife and may persist on the tree for weeks, resembling Christmas ornaments. Generally, the flesh is bitter and astringent until fully ripe, when it becomes soft, sweet and pleasant. Valued for its fruit and attraction to wildlife, Japanese Persimmon is an excellent fruit tree for ornamental use and makes an excellent specimen.
- Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4-7 m).
- A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Moist soil is preferred. Shelter from cold wind and late spring frosts. Drought tolerant once established.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe.
- Native to China, Japan, Korea.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 10 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Trees |
Plant Family | Diospyros - Persimmons |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 20' – 30' (6m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
By Carl Ning, nnattalli, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 10 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Trees |
Plant Family | Diospyros - Persimmons |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 20' – 30' (6m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |