Kaki (Diospyros kaki)
Discover Diospyros kaki, the Kaki or Japanese persimmon tree. Gorgeous fall color and showy edible fruit in Zones 7-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The magnificent Diospyros kaki, commonly known as Kaki or Japanese persimmon, is a highly valued deciduous tree prized for both its handsome form and its substantial, decorative fruit harvest. This tree offers excellent ornamental features, including glossy green foliage that transforms into striking gold and red hues before leaf drop, making it a standout specimen in the landscape. Its relatively low maintenance requirements, combined with its drought tolerance once established, make Diospyros kaki an appealing choice for home gardeners seeking a functional and beautiful addition.
Though appreciated globally, Kaki is native to Eastern Asia and thrives in temperate regions, requiring full sun exposure for optimal health and fruit production. Gardeners particularly enjoy this tree for its late-season interest, as the bright orange, edible persimmons often persist into winter, providing a striking contrast against bare branches. Successfully growing Diospyros kaki rewards patience with divine-tasting fruit and reliable seasonal display.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ebenaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: Eastern Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 20-30 ft
- Spread: 20-30 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Creamy white (female)Pink (male)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Diospyros kaki is best done in spring or fall, ensuring the tree is situated where it receives full southern exposure. Soil preparation is important; while the Kaki exhibits some soil tolerance, it performs best in deep, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained loams. Provide ample space for its mature spread of 20 to 30 feet, keeping in mind that this tree enjoys a good amount of consistent moisture, though it is noted for being drought tolerant when established.
Watering needs are medium, focusing on deep, infrequent watering, especially during dry spells in summer. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless the plant is showing signs of nutrient deficiency in poor soil. Pruning should focus on maintaining strong structure early in the tree’s life; remove suckers promptly unless a naturalized look is desired, as suckering can signal stress or attempts to replace the main trunk.
This specimen is winter hardy primarily in USDA Zones 7 through 10, with peak performance often seen in Zones 8 to 10. Since this tree can reach significant size, plant it away from structures or heavily trafficked areas, especially if you are concerned about fallen ripe fruit in the late fall.
Landscape Uses
The Diospyros kaki serves wonderfully as an ornamental landscape accent that doubles as a food crop producer. Mature trees develop a rounded, spreading crown, making them excellent focal points in sunny areas or large borders where their seasonal foliage changes can be fully appreciated. Due to its size and ornamental value, it is a superb shade tree.
For a more formal appearance, the Kaki can be managed through pruning as a screen or even espaliered against a sunny wall, effectively maximizing fruit production in smaller spaces. If you choose to plant trees that bear fruit, strategically position them away from patios or walkways where falling fruit might create a litter hazard in autumn. Consider grouping Diospyros kaki with late-blooming shrubs or small pines to complement the late fall fruit display.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Fragrant
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Diospyros kaki, commonly called kaki, Japanese persimmon or Oriental persimmon, is a deciduous tree with a rounded spreading crown that typically grows to 20-30’ tall, often noted for its edible fruits and excellent ornamental appeal. Oval to obovate leaves mature to glossy green before turning gold to red in the fall, preceding the bright orange edible fruits which mature in late fall and often persist into winter. The genus name signifies ‘divine fruit’ due to the quality of this botanical treasure.
Tolerances
This species shows good drought tolerance once established.
Potential Problems
The Kaki tree generally avoids serious insect or disease problems, which contributes to its low maintenance rating. Gardeners should be aware that leaf spot can occasionally appear, though this is usually cosmetic rather than damaging. For large commercial operations, scale and mealybugs might require management, but these pests are rarely a concern for standard home plantings of Diospyros kaki. The primary management concern for home growers is dealing with falling ripe fruit, which can create slip hazards or general litter in late autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Kaki suitable for?
Diospyros kaki is winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10, though it performs best in Zones 8 through 10.
When does Kaki bloom?
This tree typically blooms between May and June, producing creamy white flowers on female parts of the tree and pink flowers on male parts.
How large does Kaki grow?
The Kaki tree generally reaches a height between 20 and 30 feet and maintains a spread of 20 to 30 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Diospyros kaki need?
Diospyros kaki requires full sun exposure to flourish and produce abundant fruit.
Conclusion
The Kaki (Diospyros kaki) is a standout choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, highly ornamental tree that delivers a rewarding edible harvest. Its transition into brilliant fall colors followed by showy, persistent orange fruit ensures year-round interest in the landscape. Before planting, verify that your location falls within USDA Zones 7 to 10 and ensure you provide full sun conditions for the best results.
Companion Planting
When planning the area around your Diospyros kaki, focus on companions that share similar needs for full sun and well-drained soil. Consider planting shade-tolerant groundcovers beneath the canopy once the tree matures, such as epimediums or ajuga, which tolerate the dappled light that reaches the ground late in the season. For structural contrast, pairing the broad canopy of the Kaki with taller, narrower evergreen trees can enhance winter structure in the garden design.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early spring, just before bud break, is the ideal time for any structural pruning of the Diospyros kaki, focusing on removing crossing limbs to maintain an open canopy for air circulation. During the summer, monitor water needs, ensuring medium moisture levels, especially if you are growing a non-parthenocarpic variety requiring pollination. Late autumn is when fruits ripen, offering the final visual reward before the Diospyros kaki enters dormancy, requiring no special winter preparation other than ensuring good drainage leading into the cold months.
