Summary
The Dwarf Pomegranate is a subtropical deciduous tree that produces breathtaking
orange/red trumpet-shaped flowers, which are then followed by tiny orange/red
ornamental fruit. The leaves of the Dwarf Pomegranate tree are dark with
beautiful hues of bronze. This tree makes a wonderful choice for bonsai. Native
to the Mediterranean and Asia, the Dwarf Pomegranate needs warmer temperatures
for the fruit to open.
Proper Care
You want to keep the Dwarf Pomegranate in full sun during the growing season if
kept outdoors. While this particular tree is somewhat frost hardy, we strongly
recommend it be brought indoors once temperatures begin to drop in the fall. To
get the Dwarf Pomegranate to product the magnificent flowers and fruits, you
need to feed it fertilizer biweekly, consisting of low nitrogen, high potassium,
and high phosphorous from spring to fall.
When it comes to pruning, the Dwarf Pomegranate needs to be cut back to just one
or two sets of leaves. Then for the flowers, you want to allow enough growth to
extend any not pruned until after flowering starts. You can wire this type of
bonsai but since older branches are typically brittle, you must take great care.
The Dwarf Pomegranate should be repotted every two years, just as the buds begin
to show in the spring.
To propagate this species, you would need to sow seeds in the spring or you can
air layer once spring growth begins to harden. In the summer months, you can use
root semi-ripe cuttings. The Dwarf Pomegranate works well with many different
styles for bonsai but the one most commonly used is the informal upright.
Finally, you will want to check the Dwarf Pomegranate about once a week,
checking for mites, scales, or aphids.
