Eriobotrya japonica
Loquat, Japanese loquat, Japanese medlar, Nispero
- Height × spread
- 8m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This sturdy bush or tree has large, long leaves, dark-green and rugged. If you are very lucky this produces the loquat, an egg-shaped, orange-yellow, fruit that comes in spring after the autumn flowering. The fruits are seldom produced in the Britain and Ireland because of the cold. They are succulent with a delightful sweet, acidic, taste. The plant is best grown with the protection of a wall. It flowers late, five petalled, drooping clusters of white, fragrant, flowers that come as late as November which are described as having an oriental fragrance. It makes a handsome, large, shrub or small tree, excellent as a specimen or making a strong feature as a wall shrub.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, spicy-oriental
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 4.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3.5m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Walls
- South facing
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.