Eriobotrya japonica (F)

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese loquat

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Other common names

Japanese medlar, Japanese plum, loquat, nispero

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Shrubs
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A large evergreen shrub with handsome glossy leaves to 20cm in length, brown-felted beneath. Flowers 2cm in width, hawthorn-like, scented. Fruit 4cm, apricot-yellow, edible but seldom ripening in most of UK

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruitusually grown as an ornamental shrub. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Eriobotrya are spreading evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small white flowers in panicles, followed by succulent fruits
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group

Horticultural Classification Codes

Horticultural Classification Codes are often given to genera which have a large number of species or cultivars. They are used to categorise cultivated plants based on specific, shared characteristics such as shape, colour, size or flowering time, and can be displayed as letters or numbers

For example:
Dahlia ‘Sunset Kate (Sin) = Single flower
Rosa ‘Marigold’ (HT) = Hybrid Tea

This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with good ventilation. Water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in most fertile soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13 to 16°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1, may need restrictive pruning under glass

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)