Mespilus germanica 'Dutch' (F)

RHS Plant Profile
medlar 'Dutch'
Plants for pollinators
Fruit Edible Trees

'Dutch' is a small, spreading tree or large shrub with oblong leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn, and white flowers, 5cm in width, in late spring, followed by russet-brown fruit 5cm across

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
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Unresolved
Horticultural Group
Produces medlars

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

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Edible fruit

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