Diospyros kaki (Persimmon)

A handsome deciduous large shrub or small tree that makes a fine specimen in the garden, notable for its spectacular fiery autumn foliage and bright orange fruit that persists on bare branches well into winter.

Reaching around 3–5m tall and wide at maturity. Happy in full sun on most soils, growing well in reasonably drained fertile ground. Reliably hardy across most of the UK and particularly rewarding in a warm, sheltered garden position.

Key details about Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon):

- Medium to large fruit with rich orange skin when fully ripe
- Flesh is sweet and soft when fully ripened — astringency reduces completely as the fruit matures
- Spectacular autumn foliage in shades of orange, red, and gold
- Fruit often remains on the bare tree after leaf fall, providing strong winter interest
- Deciduous tree with attractive spring blossom followed by developing fruit through summer
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates most UK soil types with good drainage
- Harvest season typically from October to December

Diospyros kaki is prized for its exceptional ornamental value and its rewarding crop of sweet autumn fruit — a highly distinctive garden tree that provides interest across every season of the year.