Mespilus
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 genus that has, at present two species. The better known is Mespilus germanicus, that originated in Europe and Asia Minor. The other form is Mespilus canescens, known as 'Stern's medlar' which was included in this genus in 1990. It is said to resemble hawthorns in some respects. There are white flowers in spring and then round red fruit. The genus Mespilus originally included a range of other trees and shrubs which have been reallocated to a range of other genus including Crataegus, Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier and Aronia.
- 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.