About
Eriobotrya japonica is a substantial evergreen shrub characterized by its glossy leaves, which can reach lengths of up to 20 cm, and feature a brown, felt-like texture on the underside. The blooms, measuring around 2 cm across, resemble hawthorn flowers and emit a pleasant fragrance. The fruit is approximately 4 cm in size, with an apricot-yellow hue; however, it rarely reaches maturity in much of the UK.
About the genus
Eriobotrya comprises spreading evergreen shrubs or trees characterized by their leathery, simple leaves. These plants produce small white flowers arranged in panicles, which are succeeded by fleshy fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- 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
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, may need restrictive pruning under glass
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13 to 16°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)