Loquat Tree – Eriobotrya Japonica – 3 Gallon Pot

Loquat is a wonderful, fast-growing, tropical looking tree with large, elongated, evergreen leaves and tasty, edible fruits. In our Zone 8a Georgia gardens we’ve been pleasantly surprised at the cold hardiness having withstood 3 degrees F with absolutely no problems. Therefore, we think it might be cold hardy as far north as Zones 7b or 7a, but can’t say for sure. Depending on your USDA Zone, Loquat produces its fragrant white flowers in mid to late winter or sometime in spring that are followed by large clusters of 2-inch golden-orange fruit, containing 10 or more fruits per cluster in spring and/or summer. Loquat fruit is excellent for fresh eating or freezing as well as jellies, jams, preserves, cobblers, and pies. That said, after 5 years or so we’ve seen flowers but no fruit, probably due to our colder climate. Even so, we love this tree and the tropical flair it brings to the garden! 

Growing up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, the Loquat tree is ideal for use as a specimen in medium size landscapes and home foundation plantings, or in groupings or straight or staggered rows in larger landscapes. A fine addition to the tropical-look garden, edible landscape, orange theme gardens, and the Xeriscape (low water needs).

Suggested Spacing:  10 feet apart for hedge or privacy screen;  20 feet or more apart for space between trees

Loquat trees grow reasonably well in most soil types except for heavy, compacted clay or very infertile soils. They grow and produce the best fruit in a moist but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. In soil with low fertility it’ll be worth your time to mix in some organic compost to the native soil. They like the soil to hold a good supply of water, especially when the fruits are developing in summer, but not so much water that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet, which can be problematic. Soil pH does not seem to matter as Loquat is known to perform well in both acid or alkaline conditions. If fruit production is a consideration in USDA Zone 8, Loquats should be planted on the south or southeast side of the home to obtain maximum late winter and early spring cold protection from the house itself. Otherwise, plant it wherever you want in full sun to part shade. Trees growing in more sun will be more dense. We suggest at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.