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Fruit EdibleTrees

Mespilus germanica 'Large Russian' (F)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

medlar 'Large Russian'

'Large Russian' is a small, spreading tree or large shrub withpendulous branches and large,oblong leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn.White flowers, 5cm in width, in late spring, are followed by russet-brown fruit 7cm across

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Mespilus is a small spreading deciduous tree or large shrub with large leaves colouring well in autumn, and white flowers followed by edible fruits

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Wait to collect fruit until after frost has softened it

Propagation

Propagate by budding in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot and powdery mildews

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