Loquat is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from the Rosaceae family that grows 10 to 25 feet tall, native to China and perhaps Japan, and prized for its fragrant flowers and edible fruit. Hardy in zones 8-10, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate water needs and minimal maintenance once established. The plant blooms from November through December with showy, fragrant flowers followed by small round fruits that resemble apricots. Gardeners in subtropical and warm temperate climates appreciate its compact size, attractive leathery foliage, and the fact that it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during colder months.
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-10
300in H x 300in W
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High
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Loquat seedlings have an evocative tropical form with their large, leathery evergreen foliage and dense, compact structure that brings year-round presence to a garden. The delightfully sweet, aromatic fruit arrives after fragrant winter blooms, making this a plant that rewards patience with both fragrance and flavor. Self-fertile trees produce prolifically in long, hot summers with above-freezing winters, though they require consistent moisture and will drop troublesome fruit litter in successful growing regions.
Loquat fruit is eaten fresh as a delicate, aromatic snack with a flavor reminiscent of a cross between stone fruit and citrus. The fruit also works well in preserves, jams, and compotes that capture its sweet, perfumed character. Beyond culinary use, the plant serves as an ornamental evergreen shrub, valued for its attractive foliage, fragrant winter flowers, and showy fruit production.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Harvest loquat fruit when it has fully ripened and turned golden or orange in color, typically in late winter or early spring depending on your region. The fruit should feel slightly soft to gentle pressure and release easily from the branch when fully mature. Pick ripe fruit regularly to minimize fruit drop litter, which can be a nuisance in successful growing areas.
Loquat naturally develops an upward-branching form with a rounded silhouette and can be maintained as either a small tree or large shrub depending on your space and preference. Light pruning to shape the plant and remove any crossing or crowded branches will encourage the dense, compact form that defines this species. Container-grown specimens can be kept deliberately small through selective pruning, while in-ground trees benefit from allowing their natural spreading habit to develop.
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“Eriobotrya japonica originated in China and possibly Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The common names Japanese medlar and Japanese plum reflect its long association with East Asian horticulture, though its true center of diversity lies in China. It arrived in Western gardens as part of the broader exchange of subtropical and ornamental plants, eventually establishing itself in Mediterranean climates and warm regions of North America, where both commercial and home growers recognized its dual value as ornament and food source.”