Mespilus germanica
Medlar
- Height × spread
- 4m – 7m × 4m – 7m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A tree that has long been domesticated. There are a good number or cultivars that have been developed for their fruiting qualities. For example 'Iranian Medlar' has fruit that develops earlier than the species, while the small fruits of 'Nottingham' are said to be most flavoursome. In addition to the forms developed for their fruits, the variety 'Macrophylla' has exceptionally large and handsome foliage. The shrub itself is often grown as a specimen.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 4m – 7m
- Spread
- 4m – 7m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Mediterranean garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, some stems are prickly/thorny
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Reduce fruit to prevent branches breaking
Inspect the tree as fruit grows - reduce the numbers of fruit at the ends of branches to prevent branches breaking under their weight. This will also increase the size of remaining fruit. This is especially needed for young trees.
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 to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
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.