Punica Granatum (Pomegranate)

Pomegranate is an underrated shrub, not often seen in gardens but surprisingly ornamental. For a long season over summer, it bears distinctive and intriguing bright orange flowers. The blooms have crepe-like petals that unfurl like little parcels from stiff, funnel-shaped buds. Their bright vermillion colour stands out beautifully against the small, glossy foliage. In hot seasons the flowers may be followed by spherical, pomegranate fruit.

Punica granatum forms a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Although evergreen in Mediterranean climates, when grown in the UK it is deciduous, the new leaves in spring emerging bronze. In particularly cold areas it can be grown in a large container and moved to a warmer position during the winter months. 

Height and spread: 1.5-2.5m (5-8ft).