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Image
shows the delicious Eriobotrya
japonica or
Loquat fruits |
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Eriobotrya japonica
(Loquat, Japanese Plum Tree) |
Origin: Native to China and southern Japan
Family: Rosaceae
Light: Full sun/part shade
Height: 10-12'
Blooms: Fragrant, white, in clusters, late-Spring
Fruits: Bunches, yellow-orange, delicious, 1-2" long
Foliage: Large,
10" long, bronze-green, fuzzy
Soil: Well-drained, keep moist
Water: Regular|
Insects/Diseases: Watch for mites, aphids, scales - spray with
horitcultural oil just after plant finished blooming and then bi-weekly
throughout Summer
Uses: Specimen, landscaping, hedges
Propagation: Seeds, grafting, woody stem cuttings
Comments: Eriobotrya japonica or Loquat or Japanese Plum Tree is an easy
to grow sub-tropical fruit tree. In late Spring, fragrant white
clusters of blossoms appear followed by abundant bunches of small
yellowish-orange plums. Eriobotrya japonica fruits are sweet and juicy, eaten fresh
off the tree; excess fruits can be made into jams and
preserves. The bunches of Loquat fruits are heavy so they need to
be picked or thin out to prevent the tree branches from breaking.
Birds love to feast on the Eriobotrya japonica fruits while the bees
love its nectar-rich blossoms. Japanese Plum Tree is easily
propagated from seeds and is a fast grower. It is carefree and low
maintenance. It makes an ideal plant for a hedge. Mulch 2-3" deep
around 4' circumference of Eriobotrya japonica tree to retain
moisture. Loquat does well in the sunny or part shade landscape.
Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew disease.
Eriobotrya japonica is a delightful specimen tree for a tropical garden.
USDA Hardiness Zones
: 7-11 |
