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Eriobotrya japonica (F)

Japanese loquat

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

Other common names
Japanese medlar
Japanese plum
see moreloquat
nispero

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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
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Orange Yellow
Summer Green
Autumn White Green
Winter White Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually 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

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)

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