Ziziphus jujuba 'Li'

Li Red Date (Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’) is a distinctive and highly regarded fruiting tree that produces crisp fruit which softens into a rich, date-like texture as it ripens. Also known as Li Chinese Date or Li Jujube, this cultivar is considered one of the largest jujubes available and is among the most popular varieties grown in North America.

Li red date plant produces impressively sized fruit, approximately 5 cm long and ovate in shape - about the size of a small egg. The central stone is exceptionally small and can be almost imperceptible. When fully ripe, this large jujube fruit develops a striking mahogany colour. Sweet and flavourful with subtle floral notes, this variety was developed for fresh eating and is especially prized for its thin, crisp skin at the “apple-like” stage. If allowed to mature further, the fruit softens and develops the familiar date-like taste and texture for which jujubes are known.

Unlike many jujube varieties, Li Jujube fruit can be harvested at the immature yellow-green stage and ripened off the tree, making it particularly well suited to shorter growing seasons or unpredictable weather conditions.

Highly versatile in the kitchen, Li red date can be enjoyed crisp as a snack, sliced into salads, or used as a substitute for apples in pies. Once fully softened, it can replace raisins or dates in both sweet and savoury cooking. Li Jujube fruit is exceptionally nutritious, containing high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals. It has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine and cuisine, where it is enjoyed fresh or dried, candied, and used in juices, jams, wines, and teas.

The red date plant (Ziziphus jujuba) is a deciduous fruiting and ornamental tree well suited to small gardens or large containers. Li Chinese date tree typically reaches around 4.5 m (15 ft) tall but can be easily maintained at a smaller size through regular pruning; any suckering shoots should be removed as they appear. The greyish bark and attractively contorted branching habit provide excellent winter interest after leaf drop. Compared to other varieties, Li Jujube has fewer thorns.

The glossy green leaves are alternately arranged along the branches and turn yellow in autumn. Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in abundance and are lightly fragrant; while not showy, the extended bloom period provides an excellent nectar source for pollinators. Although Li Chinese Date is partially self-fertile and productive, planting another variety -such as Ziziphus jujuba ‘Black Sea’ - will improve fruit set and overall yield. Trees typically begin bearing fruit within 2–3 years of planting and can produce for 50+ years.

Li Jujube thrives in full sun and develops a deep taproot, making it drought-tolerant once established. For optimal fruit production, provide consistently moist, well-drained soil. This variety is cold-hardy to Zone 5a (-29 °C) and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

A unique and rewarding addition to any plant collection, Li Chinese Date delivers reliable fruiting, ornamental interest, and memorable flavour—an excellent choice for home growers seeking both beauty and performance.