Dwarf Nana Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’)
Dwarf Nana Pomegranate is the compact, ornamental cousin of the classic pomegranate—built for tight spaces, patio pots, and tidy landscape edges while still delivering that unmistakable pomegranate look. It forms a dense, branching shrub with small leaves and vivid orange-red blooms that read as “tropical” without needing a large footprint.
In warm climates, ‘Nana’ can flower for a long stretch of the year, which makes it a consistent performer in pollinator-focused beds. It may set small pomegranates, but it is primarily grown for its flowers and ornamental presence rather than heavy fruit production.
In Florida planting zone 9, place it where it gets strong sun, good drainage, and room for airflow. With consistent moisture during establishment and a light feeding plan, ‘Nana’ stays compact, blooms well, and remains an easy “anchor shrub” in mixed edible and pollinator plantings.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Punica granatum ‘Nana’ |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Lythraceae (Loosestrife family) |
| Common Name(s): | Dwarf Pomegranate, Nana Pomegranate |
| Size: | Typically 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide; can be kept smaller with pruning or grown in containers |
| Plant Type: | Dwarf shrub (woody perennial); often semi-evergreen to evergreen in warm areas, more deciduous in cooler winters |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Cultivar of pomegranate; the species is widely cultivated in warm-temperate to subtropical regions |
| Native to: | The species originates from a broad region spanning the Middle East through parts of South/West Asia |
| Planted range in the USA: | Common in the South and coastal/warm regions as an ornamental and occasional fruiting shrub |
| Conservation Status: | Not applicable (cultivated selection) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in spring or fall; spring planting is ideal when you want fast root establishment before summer heat |
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| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to light shade (best flowering and fruit set occurs in full sun) |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy or loamy soils as long as water does not stand at the roots |
| Soil pH: | 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; water consistently during establishment, then shift toward deep, less-frequent watering once established |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Low to moderate; a light, balanced feeding in the growing season supports blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen (can push leaves over flowers). |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light pruning after a bloom flush helps keep the shrub compact; remove dead wood and thin crowded stems for airflow |
| Growth Rate: | Medium; about 1–2 ft per year in good conditions until it reaches mature size |
| Companion Planting: | Excellent with sun-loving pollinator plants and low competition groundcovers that keep soil cooler and reduce weeds |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate to high once established; bloom quality improves with steady moisture during flowering |
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| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; may drop leaves or die back in freezes, but can resprout from the base in mild events (container plants need protection) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Excellent; handles hot summers well with reasonable soil moisture |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; best performance with some wind buffering to reduce leaf tearing and moisture stress |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low to moderate; avoid direct salt spray and exposed beachfront sites |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Commonly grown in 7b–11 (best long-term performance as a perennial shrub in warm zones) |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Pomegranate (leathery-skinned fruit with arils) |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Late summer through fall; harvest when fruit is fully colored, feels heavy for its size, and the skin has shifted from glossy to more matte (do not wait for fruit to soften) |
| Fruit Description: | Small, ornamental fruit; may be tart and seedy compared to standard pomegranate cultivars |
| Edible Plant: | Fruit can be edible, but ‘Nana’ is primarily grown as an ornamental (quality varies widely) |
| Edible Parts: | Arils (the juicy seed coatings) when present and mature |
| Medicinal: | Not a primary medicinal plant in this context; pomegranate has a history of traditional use, but this page is not medical guidance |
| Flower Color: | Orange-red |
| Flower Shape: | Tubular to urn-shaped blossoms, often with flared petals |
| Fragrance: | Light to minimal |
| Flower Bloom Time: | April–October in warm climates (often with peak bloom in late spring through summer) |
| Bloom Duration: | Repeat bloomer; individual flowers are short-lived but appear in waves |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Self-fruitful in many cases; pollinators improve fruit set and consistency |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and other nectar visitors; birds may peck at fruit if it is left on the plant |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors during bloom cycles |
| Problematic Pest: | Can see aphids, scale, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs; pressure increases with heat stress and poor airflow. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally considered non-toxic in typical landscape use |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None commonly recognized as poisonous; the shrub may have small thorns that can scratch |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not typically toxic; thorns can cause minor punctures, and plant debris can irritate sensitive skin (gloves recommended for pruning) |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not typically toxic; as with many fruits, overeating may cause mild stomach upset |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Leaf spots, anthracnose, and fruit rots in humid conditions; root rot where drainage is poor—prioritize sun, airflow, sanitation, and well-drained soil |
Companion Planting
For Punica granatum ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Nana Pomegranate), the best companions are sun-tolerant plants that support pollinators, stabilize soil moisture, and keep weed pressure down—without competing heavily at the shrub’s base. Below are Florida Native and Florida Friendly options that pair well in a Zone 9 landscape.
Florida Native: Leavenworth’s Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Strong pollinator draw and long seasonal color; supports beneficial insects around fruiting shrubs.
Use: Plant in front or along edges to create a bright, low-maintenance pollinator band.
Florida Native: Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Heat-tolerant blooms bring consistent nectar resources and visual contrast to the pomegranate’s foliage.
Use: Mass in sunny patches near the shrub to attract pollinators during bloom waves.
Florida Native: Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Zone Range: 6–11
Benefits: Adds texture, movement, and seasonal interest while staying relatively low-competition for shrub roots.
Use: Place behind or to the side as a backdrop and to help buffer wind in exposed beds.
Florida Friendly: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Fast groundcover that suppresses weeds and shades soil; can be edible with proper care.
Use: Use as a living mulch near (not directly on) the shrub base—keep vines from climbing into the canopy.
Florida Friendly: Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Drought-tolerant shrub herb that attracts pollinators and thrives in similar sun/drainage conditions.
Use: Plant as a low hedge or companion clump to define beds and support beneficial insects.
Florida Friendly: Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 9–11 (often grown as an annual outside warm zones)
Benefits: Reliable nectar source for butterflies and beneficial insects; extends pollinator activity around the shrub.
Use: Tuck into sunny gaps where you want consistent bloom and a tidy, ornamental look.
Keep a clear mulch ring around the pomegranate’s trunk (no dense stems right against the base). Group companions by irrigation needs, and prioritize airflow to reduce fungal pressure. If you want more fruit set, increase pollinator presence by mixing bloom times and avoiding broad-spectrum sprays during flowering.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS — Punica granatum ‘Nana’ (Landscape Plant Propagation Information) — propagation methods and Florida-focused nursery/landscape reference entry for dwarf pomegranate.
- UF/IFAS Plant Information Databases (Common Name Index) — quick Florida-oriented index for plant database entries and reference pages.
- Oregon State University — Landscape Plants: Punica granatum — general landscape performance notes and cold tolerance context for pomegranate.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — water-wise, sustainable landscape practices relevant to Florida home gardens.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone framework for planting suitability and winter planning.