Ziziphus sativa

Ziziphus sativa

Common name: Jujube, Chinese Date

Description: This ancient fruit-bearing deciduous tree offers both ornamental beauty and edible rewards. The glossy, bright green leaves emerge late in spring and create an attractive canopy throughout summer before turning golden-yellow in autumn. Small, fragrant greenish-yellow flowers appear in early summer, attracting beneficial pollinators. By late summer and autumn, the tree produces oval fruits that resemble small dates, starting green and ripening to reddish-brown. The fruits have a sweet, apple-like flavour and can be eaten fresh or dried. The attractive, slightly zigzagging branches create winter interest, whilst the tree's natural compact habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens.

Other benefits: edible fruit with sweet flavour, fragrant flowers, attractive autumn colour, drought tolerant once established, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3m x 2.5m

Position: full sun essential for good fruiting; tolerates partial shade but fruit production will be reduced

Soil pH: adaptable to various soils; tolerates slightly alkaline to neutral conditions

Moisture: moderate watering when young; exceptionally drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: hardy to -15°C; benefits from a warm, sheltered position