• Pomegranates have been cultivated since antiquity.pomegranate tree image by Fata-Morgana from Fotolia.com
  
  Native to Iran and northern India's Himalayan Mountains, the pomegranate tree, or Punica granatum, has been cultivated since antiquity throughout the Mediterranean region for its fruit and stunning blossoms. The pomegranate arrived in California by way of Spanish settlers in 1769, according to Purdue University. Dwarf varieties of this tree, such as 'Chico,' 'Nana' and 'State Fair,' either produce small fruit with few edible seeds or no fruit at all, and are mostly grown for decorative purposes.
  
  

'Chico'

• 'Chico' blossoms resemble carnations.Pomegranate blossom image by furlan1985 from Fotolia.com
  
  Growing to about 2 feet tall, P. granatum 'Chico' blooms into reddish-orange, crepe-like flowers that resemble carnations. According to the Learn 2 Grow website, 'Chico' tolerates diverse soils, blossoming almost continuously, but bears no fruit. Preferring full sun, these decorative dwarf pomegranate trees create showy border plants en masse for patios and swimming pool decks.
  
  

'Nana'

• According to Magnolia Gardens Nursery in Texas, the P. granatum 'Nana' pomegranate tree reaches a height of about 4 feet, with an outward 3-foot spread, lending it a shrub-like appearance. In spring, hummingbirds hover around the brilliantly-hued, reddish-orange blossoms. Red, undersized fruit that contains mostly pulp appears in autumn. A hardy plant, 'Nana' withstands cold temperatures, tolerates heat, drought and a range of soils, and is resistant to deer. Although this dwarf variety favors full sun, it does well indoors and is non-toxic to children and pets.
  
  

'State Fair'

• 'State Fair' dwarf pomegranate fruit grows to about 2 inches in diameter.pomegranate image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  Introduced by Tony Avent of North Carolina's Plant Delights Nursery, P. granatum 'State Fair' can reach a height of 5 feet. During the summer, a profusion of vibrant orange, tubular-shaped flowers bloom and continue to blossom into the fall. This deer-resistant cultivar yields an abundance of small pomegranate fruit of about 2 inches in diameter. According to North Carolina's Plant Delights Nursery, 'State Fair' is considered the hardiest of the dwarf pomegranate trees.