Eriobotrya japonica

Common Names

Loquat, Japanese Plum, Japanese Medlar, Nispero, Chinese Plum, Loquat Tree, Pipa

Summary

Loquat is an evergreen broadleaf tree native to southeastern China and cultivated in China and Japan, with a dense, rounded crown reaching about 10–25 ft tall and 10–25 ft wide. It features large, dark green, leathery leaves with a pale underside, fragrant white flowers in fall to early winter, and edible orange-yellow fruit about 1–2 in long (3–5 cm).

Cultivation requirements include full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with medium moisture; hardy in zones 8–11, with frost damaging flowers and fruit below about 27°F and mature trees tolerant to light frost down to around 10°F in some climates; propagation mainly by seed or grafting, with cross-pollination improving fruit set though self-fertility varies by cultivar; drought tolerance after establishment; uses include ornamental specimen, privacy screen, or edible landscape, with pruning to maintain form and air circulation; pests include aphids and scale; diseases include fire blight.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-25 ft

Spread

10-25 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

White to cream-colored

Bloom Time

Fall and Winter

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

1-2 feet per year.

Seasons of Interest

Fall, Winter, Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Grafting, Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, birds