About
Eriobotrya japonica, the loquat, is an ornamental evergreen large shrub or small tree to around 8 m with very large, boldly ribbed, dark-green, leathery leaves to 30 cm long. Fragrant, cream, five-petalled flowers are produced in winter in felty-woolly panicles, followed in late spring by clusters of small, pear-shaped, orange-yellow, edible fruits. A choice and multi-season ornamental for a sheltered, sunny wall in a mild garden.
About the genus
Eriobotrya, the loquats, are evergreen trees and shrubs from East Asia with large, boldly veined, leathery leaves and panicles of fragrant, cream flowers in winter, followed by clusters of small, edible, orange-yellow fruits. Grown as ornamental and fruiting plants in sheltered, mild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySeeds 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
CultivationUnder 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
PruningPruning group 1, may need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13 to 16°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)