European date plum (Diospyros lotus)

European date plum (Diospyros lotus) is a tree that can grow 8m – 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant European date plum (Diospyros lotus).
This plant has several common names including: European date plum, lotus tree or date plum.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: European date plum, lotus tree, date plum
Scientific name: Diospyros lotus
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Loam
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant European date plum (Diospyros lotus) – Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant European date plum (Diospyros lotus), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
European date plum (Diospyros lotus) is a plant that grows in loam conditions. It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Diospyros lotus likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
European date plum (Diospyros lotus) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing European date plum (Diospyros lotus) – Zeynel Cebeci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons