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
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Orange Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or ·¡²¹²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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 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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