About
Mespilus germanica, the common medlar, is a spreading small tree or large shrub with oblong, hairy leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn and showy, single, white flowers 5 cm across in late spring, followed by distinctive, brown, apple-like fruits to 5 cm across that are edible when bletted. An ornamental and productive tree for a sunny, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Mespilus is a spreading, deciduous small tree with large leaves colouring well in autumn, large, white flowers in spring and edible, brown fruits that are gathered and stored to blet before eating. Native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Wait to collect fruit until after frost. For more details see medlar cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or chip budding in late summer or by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay 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