PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 6 hours of direct daily sun for optimal fruiting
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–10 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates warm summer temperatures up to 35°C; enters dormancy during cold winters
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to oblong, glossy dark green; turns vibrant orange-red in autumn
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, bell-shaped; dioecious (separate male and female plants)
- Fruit: Round to heart-shaped, orange to deep red when ripe; astringent when unripe
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during fruit development to prevent fruit drop
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer to support new growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce fruiting and increase foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the tree base; water thoroughly to release calcium into the soilPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thin overcrowded growth to improve air circulation and light penetration for fruiting
- Remove suckers to maintain tree form and direct energy to main branches
- Trim back long, leggy shoots to encourage compact, productive growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion of foliage or fruit
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; ripe fruit is edible and nutritious
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes good fortune, longevity, and prosperity in Japanese and Chinese cultural traditions
Usage: Edible ripe fruit; ornamental autumn foliage for landscape design
