{"product_id":"japanese-raisin-tree-hovenia-dulcis","title":"Japanese Raisin Tree (Hovenia dulcis)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHovenia dulcis, commonly known as the Japanese Raisin Tree, is a rarely offered, hardy deciduous tree prized for its unusual edible harvest and attractive ornamental shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees will become large, with the broad, glossy green leaves creating a dense canopy through spring and summer, while clusters of small creamy-white flowers appear in the early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than the fruit itself being eaten, it is the swollen fruit stalks that become sweet as they mature in the autumn. These curved, brown stems develop a flavour often compared to raisins, pears, or honey and can be eaten fresh or dried, simply peel the stalk from the berry tip and enjoy the delicious sweetness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese raisin trees are surprisingly hardy and well suited to temperate climates, making them an interesting choice for UK gardens. Once established, they are resilient, productive, and relatively low maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Our young Raisin trees are currently small starter plants, but with the right care and growing conditions they will establish quickly and grow into healthy, productive trees over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Plant in a sunny or lightly shaded position. A warm, sheltered garden location will encourage better growth and fruit production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to most soil types, including loam and light clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatering: Water regularly while establishing. Mature trees are moderately drought tolerant but benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: Fully hardy to approximately -15 °C once established, making it suitable for most areas of the UK.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Fruiting: Generally self-fertile. Flowers appear in early summer, with the edible fruit stalks developing and ripening in autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowth Rate: Moderate; typically grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) per year under good conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature Height: Approximately 8–12 m (26–40 ft) in the ground, though it can be kept smaller with pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread: Around 6–8 m (20–26 ft), forming a rounded canopy with spreading branches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintenance: Requires little pruning beyond removing damaged or crowded branches. Light pruning in late winter can help maintain shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful tree for gardeners interested in unusual edible plants and productive landscape trees. It offers seasonal beauty, pollinator-friendly flowers, and a unique harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable as a single plant in a 7cm pot - the plants are currently 20cm tall including the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Wasabi Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52089380798745,"sku":"WSB.PLANT.48","price":10.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/7763\/2793\/files\/japanese-raisin-tree-some-leaves.webp?v=1776098159","url":"https:\/\/www.thewasabicompany.co.uk\/products\/japanese-raisin-tree-hovenia-dulcis","provider":"The Wasabi Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}