Care Guide for Princess Bonsai Persimmon (Diospyros lotus)

Princess Persimmon (also known as Diospyros lotus, or "Lotus Persimmon") is a beautiful, ornamental tree that produces small, sweet fruits. It is appreciated for its attractive foliage and its ability to thrive in various conditions. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you care for this unique tree.

1. General Overview

• Scientific Name: Diospyros lotus
• Common Name: Princess Persimmon, Lotus Persimmon
• Type: Deciduous tree
• Mature Height: 7’ (ours)
• Spread: 4-5’ (ours)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Fruit: Small, sweet, orange persimmons (NOT edible when fully ripe), but ‘blets in winter, enjoyed usually January - February in VA.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn
• Flowering: Small, inconspicuous flowers (typically not a significant feature)
• Dwarf This variety is popular for Bonsai. 

2. Planting

Location

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. While the tree will tolerate partial shade, it thrives and produces the best fruit when grown in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal, but it can tolerate a range of soil types as long as drainage is good.
• Space: 6’, generally most D. lotus would be larger. Princess is a natural dwarf selection.

Planting Tips

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself.
2. Remove the tree from its pot and gently loosen the roots if they are tightly packed. Roots should extend from the root ball with your soil on both sides of the extended roots.
3. Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle.

3. Watering

• Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After that, Princess Persimmon is somewhat drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods.
• Method: Water deeply, ensuring the soil around the root zone is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid shallow watering, as this encourages shallow root growth.
• Overwatering: Be cautious not to overwater, as persimmons can be prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Ensure proper drainage in the soil and avoid standing water.

4. Fertilizing

• Timing: Fertilize in early spring, just before the growing season begins.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10). Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be used for a more natural approach. For example, fall fertilizer, organic slow release like Espoma Plant tone, Tree tone.
• Frequency: Fertilizing once a year is typically sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.

5. Pruning

• When to Prune: Prune the Princess Persimmon in late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant.
• Why Prune: Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can also encourage better fruit production.

• How to Prune:

• Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
• Thin out the center of the tree to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy.
• Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce fruit production and harm the tree's natural shape.
• The plant will colonize from the mother tree. To keep your tree a single specimen these ‘extensions’ should be dug up.

6. Pest and Disease Control

• Common Pests:

• Aphids, scale insects, and spider mites can occasionally be a problem if in a greenhouse environment.
• To control pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. For severe infestations, consult a professional arborist.

• Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot: Caused by fungal infections, resulting in brown or black spots on the leaves. Prune affected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary.
• Root Rot: Can occur in overly wet conditions. Ensure the tree is planted in well-draining soil and avoid excessive watering.

• Prevention: Maintain good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

7. Pollination and Fruit Production

• Pollination: Diospyros lotus is mostly self-pollinating, so you don’t need multiple trees for fruit production. However, planting more than one tree can sometimes result in better yields.
• Fruit: The small, round, orange persimmons ripen in late fall. Fruit is NOT edible when fully ripe, but ‘blets’ in winter, enjoyed usually January - February in VA..

8. Winter Care

• Cold Tolerance: Princess Persimmon is cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 5, but in areas with harsh winters, young trees might benefit from some winter protection.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help insulate the roots against cold temperatures.
• Protection: If you're in a region with freezing temperatures, protect the tree's trunk from frost damage by wrapping it with burlap or other protective materials.

9. Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Yellowing Leaves: Could be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies (e.g., lack of nitrogen).
• Stunted Growth: Can result from insufficient sunlight, poor soil conditions, or pest damage.
• Fruit Drop: Excessive fruit drop can occur if the tree is stressed by drought, inconsistent watering, or sudden temperature changes.

10. Additional Tips

• Mulching: A layer of mulch (wood chips, bark, or straw) around the base of the tree can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Companion Planting: The Princess Persimmon does well when planted near other fruit trees or ornamental shrubs.
• Tree Support: Young trees may benefit from staking to keep them upright until their root systems are established.