Ziziphus jujuba ZigZag™

Ziziphus jujuba ZigZag™ is a striking ornamental Chinese jujube tree, valued as much for its architectural form as for its fruit. A naturally compact variety, ZigZag Jujube tree features a distinctive, contorted branching habit. Its thorny gray branches twist and “zigzag” back and forth along their length - an eye-catching characteristic that becomes especially prominent in winter after leaf drop, providing strong seasonal interest.

The glossy green foliage drapes gracefully along the branches, creating a subtle weeping effect before turning yellow in autumn. Small greenish-yellow flowers, though not showy, bloom over an extended period and provide an excellent nectar source for pollinators. While ZigZag Chinese Jujube plant is self-fertile, planting another variety nearby can significantly increase fruit set and yield. For those whose primary goal is premium fruit production, pairing it with a proven larger-fruited cultivar such as Empress Gee offers the best of both worlds - ornamental structure and abundant harvests.

ZigZag Jujube tree produces tasty, reddish-brown fruit that ripens in late fall with a sweet, apple-like flavor. As the fruit wrinkles and dries, the Zigzag Chinese date becomes even sweeter, developing a rich, date-like texture. Highly nutritious, jujubes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals, and have been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Exceptionally versatile in the kitchen, they can be enjoyed fresh, sliced into salads, or dried and used like dates or raisins in baking. Jujubes have also traditionally been juiced, candied, cooked, smoked, or made into syrups, wines, and preserves.

ZigZag Chinese Jujube plant prefers a sunny location and moist, well-drained soil. Once established, Ziziphus jujuba ZigZag™ is drought-tolerant, hardy, and easy to grow. Reaching approximately 4.5 m at maturity, its compact nature makes it well suited to container growing with regular pruning. It is cold-hardy to Zone 5a (-29 °C), typically bears fruit by its second year, and is generally free from serious pests and diseases. Long-lived and dependable, jujube trees can remain productive for decades.

An exceptional ornamental tree with the added reward of delicious fruit, ZigZag Chinese date is sure to become a standout and conversation piece in any garden.