Facts You Didn’t Know About The Cupressus Sempervirens

Although frequently associated with cemeteries, Cupressus Sempervirens or Mediterranean Cypress stands out from the rest. They come from the cypresses genus. The trees are evergreen, meaning that they remain green all through the year. The tree is hard and stable and will grow for centuries. The shape is definitive from the time the tree is small.

The trees are also known to produce resinous wood that is yellowish in color with strong aroma. The wood is difficult to find as well as expensive. They are known for their rapid growth as well. The foliage is dark green and the branches grow horizontally. Their leaves grow closely together, thus making a good shelter for birds. The tree can grow up to 70 feet tall.

This tree is suitable for growing in well-drained soils. It prefers enough sunlight therefore, can do extremely well in areas where there is sunshine for at least six hours. Generally, the tree is trouble free. However, in hot and humid areas, it is subject to canker. It remains important for people who want to grow this plant to learn more about it.

When planting the trees, know the kind of pests they are tolerant to. Animals such as rabbits and deer are not known to cause it any harm. As well, the trees can withstand drought. It can be grown on a variety of soils ranging from some sand to clay. As well, the water needs to range from dry to moist.

Young plants should be fed with extra phosphorous. This is meant to encourage the plant to develop a good root system. It is important that you apply the recommended amount of phosphorous depending on the label. This is important in the first growing season. The watering conditions required for the plants are regular moisture.

During the initial growing season, you need to give it an average amount of water. Be careful not to overwater the plant. This could result in roots rotting and dying off. For the first two years, regular watering is vital. During the first year, water it deeply once a week. It also is a good idea to mulch the plant to ensure moisture retention and keep off weeds.

The plant can be used for hedges, but will require regular pruning. It also is a good choice for the entrance to your home. Once the trees are in the ground, it needs little intervention. It can therefore be termed as an easy growing tree. You could cut off the top if what you need is a bushier trunk. Most people prefer it for its tall column shaped trunk though.

The best thing about the Cupressus Sempervirens is that it is not selective about soil. It will grow well in sandy, loam or clay soils as long as the drainage is good. If your climate is windy, warm and dry, it could be better when it is watered especially during winter since it could dry out. Some common pests include bagworms whose bags can be picked out, and mites that can be sprayed with antiseptic soap.

How To Grow A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

Olea Europea is a tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is evergreen and popular because of its stunning accent. It has leaves that are shiny, leathery as well as have a greenish-grayish hue with contorted branches. The tree does well in warm weather that does not go below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting your tree, ensure that you have an ideal site. Prune it and structure a water cycle.

Your tree should be planted in well-drained soils. It remains vital that you protect it from exposure to too much wind. Extreme elements could cause it to topple since the roots are not deep penetrating. When planting many trees, provide a spacing of not less than 20 feet. Also, allow it 50 feet headroom. Its height averages from 30 and 50 feet.

It is possible for the trees to resist a gush of wind, extreme drought as well as frost. The wood could be used to make furniture. When fully grown, the tree becomes extremely densely crowned. It could also cover an area of around nine meters. It has some tiny white-greenish flowers with some scent. Its fruits are small, round and little flesh. When ripe, they are purple-black in color.

Animals and humans love the fruit. The tree possessed medicinal strengths. It could be used to reduce blood pressure as well as develop an eye lotion. It treats diarrhea from its extracts. The tree can make products such as ornaments, fencing products, spoons and also furniture. The ripe fruit is good for making ink. Ensure that the trees are planted close to a water source.

The plant makes an impressive source of cover for other garden plants. This is mainly because of its evergreen nature. Make sure the seeds are propagated on river sand rich areas. It is also possible to use cuttings that have a rooting hormone. Do not plant the trees too close to patios, water or pools since its root system has a tendency to be overly aggressive.

The plant needs a lot of compost. Organic mulching using dried leaves is vital to avoid too much loss of water as well as keep weeds away. Throughout the year, water it well. Make sure the soil is fertile and well drained. If this is not so, the root system may rot and will reduce the function and structure of the entire plant.

After the tree is established well, you do not have to water it since it can be able to resist drought. No common pests are known but there are diseases. The Verticillium wilt could cause the leave to shrivel and branches fall off. It remains possible for these trees to develop a fungal infection that takes its toll on the roots, which end up rotting.

When feeding the Olea Europea be sure to fertilize it with high-nitrogen fertilizer. Ensure that you water it all through the year until the next new growth. Pruning shears are vital for the removal of sickly, broken and dead branches. This should be done in its dormant season to allow for aeration and sunlight. Remove the suckers on the trunk as well.

How To Care For A Tuscan Olea Europea Tree

The Olea Europea is an evergreen treed native to the Mediterranean region. This tree is loved for its gorgeous accent. Its leaves are leathery, shiny and green-grayish in color. Its branches are contorted. The tree thrives in warmer areas not less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting this tree, make sure you keep it in mind that you need to plant it at an ideal site. It remains important to prune it and have a water cycle for it.

The trees need to be planted in soils with good drainage. It is important that you protect it from too much wind. The roots are not known to go deep enough into the soil and it could risk toppling over when exposed to extreme elements. Many trees should be planted at least 20 feet apart. To add to that, allow not less than 50 feet headroom. The average height of the tree is between 30 and 50 feet.

The trees can resist a lot of wind, drought as well as frost. It could be possible to use the wood for making furniture. The fully-grown tree has a neat shape and a very dense crown. The trees could cover an area of nine meters. It has tiny white to greenish flowers with a light scent. The fruit is also tiny and round with little flesh. When ripe, they turn purple to black.

The fruits are loved by animals as well as people. It also has medicinal advantages. It is mostly used in treating conditions such as high blood pressure and makes eye lotion. Diarrhea is also treatable with its extracts. It produces wood products like ornaments, furniture, fencing posts as well as spoons. Its ripe fruit could be used to make ink. Make sure that your tree is planted near a water source.

The tree is an impressive source of shade for plants in the garden especially if because of its evergreen qualities. All you should do is to propagate the seeds in the rich river sand. You could also use the cuttings from the hardwood and remember to include a rooting hormone. Never plant your trees near walls, patios or pools. The root system has a tendency to be aggressive.

The plant requires a lot of compost. Mulching using organic materials like dried leaves will be vital to avoid extreme loss of water. All through the year, the watering should be done moderately. Grow the plant in fertile, well-drained soils. A poor drainage could result in rotting of the root system that will reduce the function and structure of the whole tree.

When the tree has established well, you will not need to water it since it resists drought. There are no common pests with this plant. It is however possible for it to contract diseases that include Verticillium wilt, which causes branches to fall and leaves to shrivel. It is also common for the Olive tree to develop a fungal infection that results in rotting roots.

During feeding of the Olea Europea make sure that, you use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Make sure you water it well throughout the year until you realize new growth. Pruning shears will come in handy when removing sick, dead or broken branches. It is also a good idea to prune back any awkward branches during its dormant season. This allows penetration of air and sunlight. In addition, get rid of the suckers as well.

The Adaptable Trachelospermum Jasminoides Will Enhance Your Garden

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is the Latin name for a most attractive, evergreen climber. It is commonly known as the star jasmine, although it does not belong to the Jasminum genus. It is a member of the dogbane family and is related instead to the frangipani, carissa, mandevilla and catharanthus. Although classed as a climber, this is a very versatile plant.

Other common names are Confederate jasmine or trader’s compass. The name Confederate Jasmine came about because it is suitable for the United States Gardening Zones 8 to 10. This area is often referred to as the Confederate States of America. The other common name, Trader’s Compass, relates to an Uzbekistan belief that the plant pointed traders in the right direction but only if they were reputable people.

It is native to the woodlands of China, Japan, Korea and India. The star jasmine has become a favorite in domestic and public gardens throughout the world. The glossy leaves are dark green. They are oval in shape and quite pointed at the ends. In summer the creeper is smothered in star-shaped white flowers. These are highly perfumed.

The flowers have five petals and are one to two centimeters in diameter. The plant flowers well in sun or shade but can be slow to become established. Once it has its roots firmly settled it tends to stray and can reach heights of 6 to 9 meters. It isn’t hard to keep under control if it is pruned back after flowering. Stray tendrils can be trimmed off at any time.

The star jasmine is a great addition to pergolas, walls and verandas. It will twine and climb over almost anything, hiding tree trunks or softening the appearance of bare walls. If you don’t need a climber, it makes a lovely groundcover or spill-over plant. It also makes a very fragrant hedge. Another use for Trachelospermum Jasminoides is as an edging for a garden or as topiary specimens.

Not content with being a climber and ground cover, it will thrive in containers. They are a lovely indoor plant and grow well in a greenhouse situation, especially in cold areas. As long as they get some sun through the winter, they will produce fragrant blooms in summer and autumn.

They prefer well-drained soils which contain some organic matter. Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. Although they are susceptible to frost they will grow in light to heavy soils. There are a few cultivars but they don’t seem as vigorous in their growth patterns as the parent. One has a variegated creamy-white leaf and another, Tricolor, has pink tinges in new growth. The Variegatum cultivar has leaves with white margins.

Valuable oil is distilled from the flowers and used in high quality perfumes. In Asian cultures, the tinctured flowers are used in incense-making. Homeopathic sources state that the plant has a use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other complaints. The stems of Trachelospermum Jasminoides are used for bast fiber, similar to that obtained from flax or hemp. This may be used in high-quality textiles as well as in rope, carpet, sacks, paper, burlap and similar products.

Why Trachelospermum Jasminoides Is A Great Garden Performer

Gardeners who make space for a Trachelospermum Jasminoides among their borders will not regret it. This delightful and obliging plant will brighten up awkward spots, never fearing to grow where other plants wither. Usually referred to by its common name, Star Jasmine, this plant is a great performer that is truly deserving of its title.

The Star Jasmine is a member of the large and varied Apocynaceae family. It hails originally from South East Asia, but is happy to put down roots in any sufficiently clement climate. Conservationists often frown upon this exuberant plant. They view it as an unruly invasive species. However, this does not stop gardeners from loving it, and there is a good reason for that.

These attractive climbing vines give a year round display of glossy green foliage, supplying welcome color during the dormant season. When in flower, the show of delicate tubular blooms can be breathtaking. They are most highly prized, however, for their heavenly scent. The fragrance appeals not only to humans, but will act as a powerful magnet to beneficial garden wildlife, such as pollinating bees.

Once established, the Star Jasmine will grow vigorously. It will quickly smother unsightly fences and walls. It will scramble up pillars and pergolas. It will trail gracefully from large containers. It will not sulk, as many other plants do, when planted beneath a tree, but instead provide mounds of pleasing ground cover. The versatility of this plant is undeniable.

It is best to plant the vines in a neutral soil, but they will cope with a small degree of acidity or alkalinity. The roots are happiest in a rich, but free-draining loam. Given a sunny aspect they will grow strongly, but also do surprisingly well in partially shaded areas. The blooms, as is the case with many white flowers, actually show up better when not exposed to strong sunlight. They benefit from regular watering and feeding during the growing season. Other than this they are little trouble, and are not prone to attack from pests or disease.

The Star Jasmine is classed as a half-hardy perennial. Therefore it grows best in frost free climates. However, with a little careful planting, gardeners in cooler climates may be able to keep it alive in a sheltered position. West facing walls are often a good place to grow tender plants. Those living in considerably colder zones may consider growing the vine as a glasshouse or conservatory plant.

It is easy to propagate new stock from mature plants. The most reliable method is to take semi-ripe cuttings from shoots that do not bear flowers. This should be kept warm, preferably with bottom heat, until they have rooted. In milder areas it may be possible to collect seed from the pods that form at the end of the season.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides makes few demands upon the gardener once established. So long as it is planted in the right conditions it will flourish for many years, providing fantastic cover, color and fragrance. The Star Jasmine is a top performer that more than earns its place in the garden.

Why Trachelospermum Jasminoides Is A Great Garden All-Rounder

Those fortunate enough to enjoy mild conditions should consider finding space for Trachelospermum Jasminoides in their back yard. These pretty and accommodating climbing vines grow happily in a range of horticultural settings. Better known as the Star Jasmine, this plant will steal the limelight and outshine many other garden favorites.

This member of the Milk Thistle family originates from South East Asia. However, it will thrive anywhere where local climate will allow it. Often it is so successful on foreign soils that it is regarded as an invasive thug that crowds out more delicate native species. Nevertheless, this reputation has done nothing to dent its popularity with gardeners who admire it greatly.

The vines sport handsome, evergreen foliage, which turns a delightful bronze hue as temperatures fall. The blossoming period is brief, but the stunning display of abundant, pretty white flowers more than makes up for this. Their true gift to the gardener, however, is their divine fragrance. Understandably, the plant is prized by perfume makers. It is equally attractive to wildlife and will summon hummingbirds, bees and butterflies from near and afar.

The vigorous climbing habit of this plant makes it ideal for training over arbors, trellises and gazebos. They will grow rapidly to cover up unsightly fences and structures. If planted in large enough containers they will spill and trail with grace. They will gladly provide ground cover beneath trees where other plants fail to grow. It is a very useful garden plant.

The Star Jasmine is best planted in neutral soils, but will tolerate a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. They like to sink their roots into free draining loamy soils. They should be situated in a sunny location, but can still perform well in a semi-shaded area. In fact shade often shows the white flowers up to better effect. They need to be kept moist throughout the growing season and will benefit from regular feeding with a general purpose plant food. They rarely suffer from pestilence or disease.

Gardeners should be aware that this is a tender plant that can be killed by a heavy frost. Those gardening in cooler zones can get around this by making clever use of micro-climates within the garden. As rapid defrosting causes the greatest cell damage, planting against a west facing wall can protect the plant as it is more likely thaw gradually. In some areas, however, the plant must be confined to a greenhouse or conservatory if it is to survive.

Although they are generally long-lived plants it is wise to propagate new stock from the vine every so often. Semi-ripe cuttings taken from a non-flowering shoot will easily take root in a protective environment. Alternatively, it is possible to collect seeds from the ripe pods later in the season. These can be cleaned and stored until it is time for sowing.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is an easy and undemanding plant that more than repays the attention given to it. It will grow for many years, bringing pleasure and stirring happy memories. It serves many practical functions within garden design, yet is never anything less than beautiful to behold.

Why Gardeners Should Find Room For Trachelospermum Jasminoides

If there is one plant that gardeners should try to make room for on their patch it is the Trachelospermum Jasminoides. This attractive and versatile climbing vine lends itself to a variety of garden situations. The Star Jasmine as it is commonly known, though occasionally referred to as Confederate Jasmine or Trader’s Compass, is a star performer.

The Star Jasmine is a member of the Dogbane family, or Apocynaceae. It originates from South East Asia, but happily makes its home in milder zones all around the world. In some cases it makes itself almost too comfortable and many botanists regard it as an invasive species. Nevertheless, its attractiveness makes it a much admired and sought after plant.

It has glossy, evergreen leaves which often take on an appealing bronze tinge in colder weather. These are arranged in pairs around the stem. The flowering period is short, often no more than a few weeks, but intense. Masses of pretty tubular white flowers are borne on the woody stems. They release a powerful, heady aroma, thus it is a plant widely used plant in perfumery. The scent is as attractive to local wildlife as it is to humans.

The Star Jasmine has a vigorous climbing habit. It can look charming growing over arches and pergolas. It is very useful for covering up eyesores such as ugly fencing and walls. If allowed, it will trail elegantly from large containers. It can also make for excellent ground cover, particularly beneath trees where other plants struggle to thrive. Few plants are so useful.

The vines prefer a neutral soil but will tolerate soil that is either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. They thrive best on free draining loams. A vine can be planted either in full sun or in partial shade. A little shade shows off the white blooms to their best advantage. During the growing season they will require plenty of watering and an occasional dressing of general purpose fertilizer. They are generally trouble free plants, which are rarely attacked by pests or disease.

The Star Jasmine is classed as a semi-hardy perennial and therefore will not tolerate severe frosts. However, it may survive a general dip in temperature if grown in an accommodating micro-climate. Growing plants against west or southwest facing walls gives some added protection against frosts. Those living in colder climates can still enjoy this pretty and fragrant vine by growing it indoors as a conservatory plant.

Propagation is not difficult. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken after flowering. Indeed it is always worth taking a few of these each year as insurance against loss of the parent plant to unexpected frosts. Seed can also be collected from the pods. These should be allowed to dry on the plant. The collected seeds, once cleaned, store well ready for sowing next season.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a generous plant that performs well in a variety of circumstances. It demands very little care, yet gives great pleasure and joy to those who give it a home in their gardens. It is both a practical and beautiful addition to the garden.

The Uses Of The Thuya Plicata Excelsa Tree

This tree that comes from the family of Cyprus and the genus of Cedrus has many other names. It was named by many people depending on where they grew. It is also known as the western red cedar, the pacific red cedar, the giant cedar, the western arborvitae or the shingle wood. The Thuya plicata excelsa is a related to the true cedar.

The seedlings grow into a very large tree. It also produces very many and beautiful pieces of timber. Their timbers are red in color. This unique shade enhances the beauty of this tree when it comes to the appearance. The species is therefore preferred when it comes to the designing of trees. The wood can also be used in the construction of things. Mostly it is used outdoors. Some of the common ones are poles, roof construction and bee hives.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is very expensive when it comes to price. This is because it usually is wanted by many customers but very hard to find it. The timbers of this tree are very durable. It has the ability to resist rotting. This is why most people prefer this tree for building purposes. People are known to love this tree mostly because of its sweet smell. Many people are able to identify this wood because of its aroma.

Thuya timbers are also used in the curving of ornaments. Their red color makes them appealing to the eyes of many women. The timber can also dye well. This therefore increases the range of color that they come in. Even though this wood is very light, it can be said to among the strongest woods. This is why the species is preferred in the construction of boats.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is also used for construction the guitar. This is enhanced by its ability to produce warm sound, it is also dark, and is light. It is therefore the most preferred. The wood contains certain oils within it that are beneficial when it comes to the fighting of fabric pests. Many people choose it for the construction of their drawers because of this property.

Carpenters and wood specialists are said to prefer the Thuya plicata excelsa trees since they are able to glue them with other tree perfectly. They are also very strong and durable. This is because they have a chemical known as fungicide. This chemical is found in the mature trees. It acts as medicine for the timber, since it ably prevents it from rotting.

Items made from this tree and its parts are usually very beautiful. This is because of its exceptional beauty. The trees are used to make many more things. Some of them include; utensils, boards and vessels. The bark is also used in the weaving of various things, for example mats. It is also used in the making of baskets. These items come out very light.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is able to serve several functions. Among its roles is the fact that it performs functions that are of the benefit of the society. This makes this tree the most preferred tree. Due to this demand, these trees have become very rare to find.

The Popularity Of The Thuya Plicata Excelsa Tree

The Thuya plicata excelsa is a tree from the family of Cyprus. It has a number of other names apart from the common one. These names are used according to the locality of the trees. Some of the names are; the shingle wood, western red cedar, the giant cedar, the pacific red cedar, the western arborvitae. It comes from the genus known as Cedrus.

The wood of this tree has been known for its ability to perform different functions. It is very beautiful in appearance. It has a red shade when the timber is made. This enhances its beauty. It is also used mostly in the construction of outdoor items for example, beehives, roofs and poles. This tree has straight timber; this is very easy for one to create different designs from it. The tree is also large enough.

The timbers of this tree can be identified only by the smell. This is because it has a sweet scent. Its color also makes it easy to notice. The tree is also preferred for building purposes since it lasts long. It does not decay. It thus is on high demand due to its unique properties. However, it is very rare for one to find it. This makes it very expensive in the market.

The woods that come from this tree are very light. This makes it among the best woods to construct a boat. Being a light but very strong wood, it can be used perfectly for this purpose. Among the common trees for building boats such as the mahogany, this one beats them all. This timber is also used for the making of ornaments. This is enhanced by its beautiful nature and ability to dye well with other colors making it come in several colors.

The woods of this tree are mostly used in the construction of the chest and drawers used to store clothes. There are some insects such as the moth which may tamper with the contents of a chest. These pests are very stubborn and are known for their destruction. They usually spoil fabric. However this timber has the ability to send them away. It contains some oil that acts as a repellant. It is also very light, dark and has a warm sound. This makes it the appropriate wood for the construction of the guitar.

The mature trees are known to secrete a chemical known as fungicide. This chemical helps in the boosting the immunity of the tree. It prevents the timber from rotting. This makes it very durable. Under normal circumstances, this can last up to a decade. The tree can also work well with others. This is because their woods blend very well with various timbers.

There are other functions of this tree. It is used in the making of the utensils and flower vessels. Its parts are also used in the construction of several other things for example, its bark. It is used in the making of baskets, weaving of mats and making of ropes. These items are usually very beautiful and admirable.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is a very popular tree among the human population. This is because it is able to perform various functions. It can construct a number of things both indoors and outdoors. This tree produces very many pieces of timber. This is because most of them are very large in size.

Importance Of The Thuya Plicata Excelsa Tree

Thuya plicata excelsa has a variety of names. The tree is also known as, the western red cedar, the pacific cedar, the giant cedar, the arborvitae or the shingle wood. This tree is a type of tree from the Cyprus family. Despite the fact that it has many names, it belongs to the cedars. It comes from the Cedrus genus.

The tree is easily noticed since it is very large. This tree has a number of benefits to human beings. The species has quality timber. Their timbers are red in color making it exceptionally beautiful. The timber is straight making it easy for one to design them. They are mostly used for outdoor construction. Some people use them in the construction of bee hives. But most people use them for poles, construction of the roof and many more.

This tree is expensive in the market. This is because the species is rare to find. It is also in high demand since it possesses the ability to last long. It is highly resistant to decay. This property makes it the most preferred tree when it comes to construction. The timbers from this tree have a very sweet smell. One can identify this timber just by color and smell.

The wood is also used for the construction of boats. This is because of it’s light nature. It can therefore be able to float. Although its timber is light, it is considered the strongest tree. It has been noted to be much better than the common woods for boat building such as mahogany. This tree is also used for making ornaments. Since it has a very beautiful appearance, it is loved by women because of its natural color. It also dyes well with other colors making the ornaments to come in a variety of colors.

The Thuya plicata excelsa tree is also used in the construction of chests and drawers. This is because it has some oils that are said to send pests and insects away. There are some notorious pests known to eat clothes in the drawers. This is beneficial to the owner. These oils can be retained in the woods for a long time. The lightness of the wood, its dark color, and its warm sound has made the wood a popular choice for the construction of the guitar.

The wood of mature trees has been discovered to contain a certain chemical. This chemical is known as fungicide. It comes with a number of benefits though the major one is that it treats the timber and prevents rotting. This property makes the tree even last more than a decade. The wood has been known for its ability to blend well with other trees. It has the ability to be glued with various trees. This is to mean it can be used alongside various woods.

Other parts of the tree are also of benefit. As said earlier the tree performs various functions such as, making utensils, flower vessels, boards and many more. However the bark of the Thuya plicata excelsa is also highly used. Baskets, ropes and weaving are done by using these barks. They make a beautiful structure after completion.

From the above discussion it has been noted that this type of Thuya plicata excelsa tree is very beneficial to the society. This is because it is versatile. It can be used in the construction of various things that are essential amongst the population. The tree is very large and therefore produces a large number of timbers.

Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) For Your Garden

The Punica Granatum (pomegranate) is a great choice of shrub to plant in your garden. It will bring color and shade into your garden and will also supply you with tasty fruit for the kitchen. In addition, it is perfect for that sunny spot where nothing else will grow.

An average plant grows to between 12 and 16 feet, although it can grow as high as 30 feet. The shrub is rounded in shape, with long, narrow, glossy leaves. If you prefer a smaller plant, you can plant a dwarf variety that will grow to no more than 3 feet. There are even bonsai shrubs.

Some varieties don’t bear fruit but are grown mainly for their beautiful flowers. Hummingbirds may come into your garden for these bright red flowers. Each flower is more or less 2 inches in diameter, with only a few big, round petals.

The fruit of Punica granatum is a berry, even though it doesn’t look like one. It is big and round with a thick, tough, reddish skin. On the inside there are hundreds of seeds with a deep red, watery and pulpy outer part. This part is edible and is called the aril.

The ruby-like arils are tasty on their own and can be either sweet or somewhat sour on the palate. They are a good source of vitamins, especially of vitamin C. They are often sprinkled over dishes like lamb kebabs or salads in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Pakistani and Indian cooking. If you prefer them with something sweet, you will find that they go particularly well with ice cream or yogurt.

You may know pomegranate juice already in the form of grenadine. This is the sweet, red syrup that is a staple of many a cocktail. However, the pure juice, as a mixer or on its own, is fast gaining in popularity too. You can also use it as an ingredient in sauces, marinades and a salad dressing with a difference.

Pomegranates grow easily, especially in warm and sunny climates. They originally came from Iran and Iraq’s Kurdish parts and have been grown in the surrounding areas of Asia and the Mediterranean for many hundreds of years since. This is why they grow best in dry, warm places. In areas with high rainfall, however, they are more susceptible to root rot.

Because the plants grow best in full sun, they are perfect as providers of shade to other, more fragile plants, like flowers or herbs that will scorch in direct sun. They are hardy and low-maintenance. Even though they resist most pests and diseases, they may be affected by pomegranate butterfly and leaf-footed bug. However, they are highly resistant to drought and you don’t have to water them a lot.

The best way to propagate Punica Granatum (pomegranate) is from cuttings. This will keep the new plant’s characteristics the same as those of the parent plant. However, you can also grow the shrub directly from seeds if you prefer. Either way will leave you with a plant that can only be an asset to the garden.

Punica Granatum (pomegranate) As An Option For The Garden

If you are looking for something to plant in that spot in your yard where it is too sunny for anything to grow, one of your best options may be the Punica Granatum (pomegranate). It is a shrub that will bring some color into your garden. Furthermore, you will have your own supply of fruit.

The leaves are narrow, long and glossy. They help give the plant its round shape. An average plant grows to more or less 12 to 16 feet in height. Some plants grow even bigger, to 30 feet. If your space is limited, however, you can plant a dwarf variety that will grow to about 3 feet only.

One of the benefits of having this plant in your yard is that it is so colorful when in bloom. Some varieties are even grown mainly for their bright red flowers, which have a diameter of about 2 inches. Hummingbirds also love these flowers with their four or five big petals.

The plants bear fruit in fall and early winter. A pomegranate fruit is big and round, between 2.5 and 5 inches in diameter, with a thick, reddish skin. When you cut open the fruit, you will see that it is actually a berry. Inside the hard skin there are small seeds. There can be several hundred of these seeds in one fruit. They have a watery, pulpy outer part known as the aril. The aril is usually deep red and is the part that you can eat.

Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C. The arils have a taste that varies from sweet to slightly sour. They are used a lot in the cuisine of the Middle East, India, Pakistan and the Mediterranean countries. Even though they are good in salads and in hot meat dishes, Western taste-buds may prefer them with ice cream or yogurt or in baked goods. However, they are excellent on their own too.

The juice is becoming an increasingly popular drink, also in cocktails. It can be used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces and salad dressings too. Thickened and processed into a sweet syrup, it is known as grenadine, essential in any bar.

Pomegranates originated in Kurdistan, an area in modern-day Iran and Iraq. For hundreds of years people in this part of Asia have been growing the shrub and using its fruit. Because of its origin, the shrub prefers a warm and dry climate, like the Mediterranean climate of southern California. In a very wet climate the roots are prone to rot.

The best location for one of these plants is a spot that gets full sun. This makes it a great plant to provide shade for your more fragile herbs and flowers. However, if you don’t have a suitably sunny location, the plant will also grow in partial shade. It is easy to grow and is resistant to drought. It is hardy too and there aren’t many diseases and pests that will affect it. However, you will have to be on the lookout for leaf-footed bug and the pomegranate butterfly.

You can grow Punica Granatum (pomegranate) from seeds. However, it is better to grow it from cuttings, because this will keep the genetic integrity of the variety intact. No matter how you choose to propagate the plant, though, it will bring color and joy to your yard.