Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dwarf pomegranate
BeginnerPunica granatum 'Nana'
A dwarf pomegranate, shorter than the species with smaller flowers and fruit. In early summer it bears crinkled scarlet flowers, and in pots or mini bonsai offers both blooms and fruit. Also sold as 'issai-zakuro'.
About
Hime-zakuro is the dwarf pomegranate, Punica granatum 'Nana', of the loosestrife family. The species is a deciduous small tree 5–12 m tall, but 'Nana' stays short with smaller flowers and fruit, making it ideal for pots and mini bonsai. A Japanese tree guide also calls it 'issai-zakuro' and notes that it flowers a little earlier than the ordinary pomegranate. Flowers open in early summer with thin, crinkled scarlet petals. Flowers are bisexual, so a single plant can set fruit; only single flowers fruit, while double-flowered ornamental forms usually do not. A bonsai guide notes that dwarf pomegranates flower freely but tend to fruit less reliably, though some forms fruit well. Compared with the ordinary pomegranate, it differs in its small stature, smaller flowers and fruit, and readiness to flower when young. Its native range is uncertain, with southwest Asia from Iran to northern India among the proposed origins, and it is not very cold-hardy. It is widely sold as a flowering and fruiting mini bonsai.
Lifespan of the Dwarf pomegranate
The Dwarf pomegranate lives Pomegranate trees are said to live about 200 years (little data for the cultivar).
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the species is thought to originate in southwest Asia)
Lifespan
Pomegranate trees are said to live about 200 years (little data for the cultivar)
Size
Dwarf and low-growing (mini to shohin bonsai)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (very sparingly)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sun and good airflow—it flowers and fruits poorly in shade. Keep small pots out of long afternoon sun in summer
Watering
Water thoroughly when the surface dries: 1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter. Keep slightly drier once in bud to prevent bud drop
Temperature & overwintering
Not very hardy (pomegranate: about USDA zones 7b–8). Protect from cold wind in winter and avoid pruning in cold weather
Soil & repotting
Free-draining mix; acidic soil yellows the leaves, so add a little charred rice husk when repotting. Repot mid-March to early April every 1–2 years
Fertilizer
Dwarf pomegranate needs little feeding. If fed, do so after flowering and after removing fruit, low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium
Pruning & styling
Flowers form at the tips of spring shoots, so leave them and prune leggy shoots after flowering in June–July. Wire only young shoots in June–July
Pests & cautions
Watch for scale, aphids and powdery mildew; remove bagworms in winter. The shoots can be spiny
Dwarf pomegranate FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Dwarf pomegranate?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Dwarf pomegranate?
The average lifespan of Dwarf pomegranate is Pomegranate trees are said to live about 200 years (little data for the cultivar). With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow should I water and fertilize Dwarf pomegranate?
Dwarf pomegranate: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (very sparingly). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Dwarf pomegranate?
The price of Dwarf pomegranate varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. A long-established dwarf form, not a variety registered under the Plant Variety Protection Act.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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