Eriobotrya japonica is a graceful plant and comes from North China and Japan. Is also known under the name loquat.
This plant is not much higher than 3 to 4 meters.
The Eriobotrya japonica can also be kept in a tub, it tolerates pruning without problems. Pruning is best done in late summer.
Planting the Loquat in the open ground is best done in a sheltered place.
For flowering and fruiting, Eriobotrya japonica should be planted in a place that is as warm and sheltered as possible, preferably on the south from the wind.
In this way the plant can give fruit in the ground, the flowering period runs from the end of March to May. Flowers are white / yellow in color.
The fruit set then runs from April to June and in August / September the harvest time.
Let the fruit ripen on the plant. Reducing the fruit is not a success.
The fruits taste fruity and a bit like apricot / plum, are orange / yellow in color, oval and 3 to 5 cm in size.
The core contains 4 large seeds and the shell around the fruit contains a layer of down. The plant is self-pollinating.
In Italy, this fruit is eaten a lot and is called nespole.
The plant is evergreen and has elongated leaves, green / gray in color and hairy on the underside.
Is hardy and very well worth it in a sheltered place.
Winter hardiness zone 9b (-5ºC).