Loquat, Eriobotrya joponica Lindl

Plant your loquat tree in a sunny location, allowing room to grow. It should be planted no less than 20 ft from adjacent buildings.

Loquat should be planted at the same depth as it was in the pot. Be sure the planting area has good drainage because loquats do not tolerate wet feet.

Well established trees can tolerate a low temperature of 12° F. The killing temperature for the flower bud is about 19° F, and for the mature flower about 26° F. At 25° F the seed is killed, causing the fruit to fall.

Loquats are wind tolerant and grow best in full sun, but also do well in partial shade. The round headed trees can be used to shade a patio. Loquats also make attractive espaliers.  

The Loquat is a beautiful evergreen fruit tree native to Asia, often called Japanese Loquat. It is a small to medium sized shrub/tree,and can grow 20 to 30 feet. Most of the time it’s smaller, though, more like 10 to 20 ft. In a large tub, the loquat makes a good container specimen.

The loquat’s long, elliptical, serrated leaves add a tropical look to the garden and the bold textured foliage contrasts well with many other plants, such as palm trees. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top and hairy on the underside. The flowers are white panicles at the ends of the branches that appear in late Fall or early Winter with a pleasant sweet fragrance.

The exotic fruits are oval or pear-shaped and grow in clusters. They are usually 1 to 2 inches long with a downy to smooth, yellow or orange and sometimes a red blushed skin.

The succulent white, yellow, or orange flesh has a sweet-tangy flavor. Some might describe it as a cross between a sweet plum and a kumquat or citrusy flavor.

If you live in mild winter areas from Zones 7-10, the Loquat tree will make an attractive and tasty addition to your landscape.