Diospyros 'Vrouw'

The tree can be pruned so that it does not exceed 3 metres. Although it is very hardy, it can freeze back during severe frost, only to sprout again lower down. The fruits (after pollination) are 3-5 cm and ripen from yellow to blue-black in colour. After the first night frosts, the final ripening takes place, the tannic acid then breaks down and the fruits are sweet to slightly sour. Delicious to eat fresh or for pastries, desserts, drying, etc. The shrubs to small trees get a beautiful autumn colour just before the leaves fall.
In the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden there is a Lotus Tree, which was planted there in 1736!
For pollination, this 'Female' needs a male, see 822395

Kaki, Persimmon and Date Plum
These deciduous trees (3-5 m) grow in subtropical regions and can increasingly grow and bear fruit well here. Give them a sunny spot, preferably protected from north and east winds. They are all 3 species of the genus Diospyros, and we are getting more and more successful varieties.
Some varieties are astringent until they are fully ripe, this is caused by tannic acid, but the ripe fruits are then heavenly delicious! Other varieties lack this astringent taste and can even be eaten when they still have a "bite". Ripe fruits are rich in vitamins A and C.
Some varieties are self-pollinating and then seedless, but they often remain smaller and fall off earlier. These same varieties produce larger fruits with seeds when cross-pollinated.
The trees bloom around May with inconspicuous flowers; for good production, it is useful to plant different varieties. We supply plants that have passed their weakest period; in a severe winter, protection is recommended for the first 5 years. Birds can peck at the fruits; a bird net helps against this. Let the fruits continue to ripen even after leaf fall; a light night frost helps in the breakdown of tannic acids. Harvesting slightly unripe and letting them ripen (with other ripe fruit) usually works very well. Do not prune too much, but keep air and light in the trees. Kaki varieties like light clay soil, but will thrive in most soil types. However, Kaki does not tolerate very acidic or poorly draining soil well.

Names:
Latin: Diospyros lotus
Dutch: Dadelpruim
Also: Lotusboom
English: Date Plum