Sharon writes, "At our October garden club meeting, one of our members brought in a photo of a plant she had seen in downtown Courtenay in July. She described the small bushy tree as "citrus-like" and beautiful. Here's the photo.
Our first guess was a medlar which is a medieval fruit like an apple.
But, alas, it was not a match. After a bit more research a match was found. The mystery plant is a pomegranate (Punica granatum). But, some of you probably already knew that, didn't you?
Some pomegranate varieties are hardy to zone 7 but some coastal BC gardeners report that the fruit on their trees begin to redden but does not fully ripen before our cooler weather hits. That being said, pomegranates are more cold hardy than citrus trees and their blossoms and fruit make for a stunning and unusual bushy tree. If you are up for a challenge and can patiently wait a few years for flowers and fruit, this could be a welcome addition to your garden.
So, as pomegranates hit our local grocery stores, and I look ahead to Christmas.....this Gardener is nestling all snug in her head as visions of pomegranates dance in her (raised) bed.
P.S. There is a rumour that pomegranates are growing in Powell River. If you have a tree or know someone who does, please let us know."
I just bought a beautiful pomegranate at Q foods. I would love to grow them, but do I need a greenhouse?
ReplyDeleteDear Readers, if you grow or have had experience growing pomegrantes please chip in with your advice or experience. xxx
DeleteInteresting information and beautiful visuals! Joyce R.
ReplyDeleteThank you loyal reader.
DeleteI've been growing a lovely dwarf pomegranate in a pot for 3 years. I bought it at that little nursery that used to be in Wildwood ( on King St, I think). It has beautiful and prolific red blossoms pretty much all summer and it sometimes has small fruits, about 1" in diameter, but they do not ripen. I had one fruit last year and 3 this year.
ReplyDeleteLaurette, your pomegranate sounds lovely. Next year, when it is blooming, would you like to bring in a sprig to a garden club meeting? I'm sure everyone would like to see it. It is always nice to know what can be done in our area and we gardeners love trying out new things.
DeleteTheoretically we are a zone 7/8 here in Powell River so one of the hardier pomegranates that are rated for zone 7 should survive outside. That being said, carefully select your site in your garden. A sunny spot which is sheltered from our winter winds and mulching the base each fall would help. If you keep it in a pot, as Laurette has done, you could move it around to find the best spot and could mulch the entire pot with leaves in the fall to protect the roots.
ReplyDelete724 Wain Road, North Saanich, BC, Canada, V8L 5N8 (on Vancouver Island near Sidney/Victoria)
ReplyDeletephone: 250-656-4269
email: bvduncan@FruitTreesAndMore.com
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