How To Grow And Care For A Loquat Tree

How to grow loquat trees

Loquat, known as Eriobotrya japonica, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree with broad, glossy, leathery leaves that bears clusters of small, yellow-orange, sweet, edible fruits. Native to south-eastern China, loquat is now widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. It has many common names, such as Chinese plum, Japanese plum, Japanese medlar and Japanese apricot. In Japan, loquat is associated with folklore and is believed to bring good fortune. Loquat is an excellent choice of garden tree, as it’s easy to grow, requires minimal care and can live up to 75 years – making a stunning statement tree with beautiful foliage.

Loquat is not the same as medlar, although its fruits are sometimes called ‘Japanese medlars’. Medlar, also in the Rosaceae family, is a small deciduous tree that resembles a cross between a crab apple and a quince. Loquat trees are evergreen, with large, tropical-style leaves.

The typical height and spread of a loquat tree can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. As a guide, loquat trees can eventually reach a height of 8m with a spread of 6m when fully mature. There are varieties available with a more compact growth habit, and others that are larger and more sprawling. Pruning can help maintain the desired size and shape of the loquat tree.

Loquat fruits are a source of food for garden birds and mammals and its fragrant, pollen-rich flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Loquat fruits are a refreshing, nutritious snack because they’re low in calories with a high water content. It is possible to produce fruit from a loquat in