Punica granatum 'Mollar de Elche'

Common name: Mollar de Elche Pomegranate

Description: This exceptional Spanish pomegranate variety is celebrated for producing large, high-quality fruits with soft, edible seeds. Unlike many pomegranates with hard seeds, 'Mollar de Elche' features remarkably tender arils that can be eaten whole, making it one of the finest dessert varieties available. The large fruits ripen in late autumn, developing attractive reddish-orange skin and sweet, juicy flesh with low acidity. In early summer, the shrub produces stunning orange-red tubular flowers that create a spectacular display and attract pollinators. The glossy, narrow leaves emerge fresh green in spring and often develop attractive yellow and orange tints in autumn. This deciduous shrub has an attractive multi-stemmed habit and brings a Mediterranean atmosphere to the garden. Perfect for warm, sheltered positions or conservatories where it will fruit reliably.

Other benefits: edible soft-seeded fruits, spectacular orange-red flowers, attractive autumn foliage, Mediterranean appeal, dual ornamental and productive, drought tolerant once established

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, hummingbird hawk-moths, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m

Position: full sun essential; requires a very warm, sheltered south-facing position or conservatory for reliable fruiting

Soil pH: adaptable; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils; tolerates poor soils

Moisture: moderate watering during growing season; drought tolerant once established; requires well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: borderline hardy to -10°C; requires winter protection in colder areas or grow under glass