Species medlar
green, smooth leaves with round, brownish-green, hairy fruit

medlar

Mespilus germanica

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a species of deciduous shrub or small tree, native to Europe and Asia. It grows to a height of 5 to 10 metres and has a spreading, irregular crown. The leaves are simple, ovate, and toothed, growing up to 10 cm in length. The white flowers appear in bunches of 6-12 and have five petals, with a sweet honey scent. The edible fruit is a leathery pome, about 4 cm in diameter, yellow-brown in colour, and contains five hard nutlets. The fruit must be softened and left to rot before it can be eaten. It has long been a popular treat, especially in the colder areas of Europe.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White to light pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade, Sheltered

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) should be watered once a week during the growing season (spring through fall), providing 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water. During the winter, water should be applied every month, providing only enough water to keep the soil slightly moist. Keep in mind that Medlar plants are adapted to dry conditions, so make sure not to overwater.

sunlight

Medlar (Mespilus Germanica) plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally during the early morning and late afternoon. This will enable the plant to photosynthesize and produce the energy needed to grow and remain healthy. If medlar plants don’t receive enough sunlight, they become weak and have limited fruit production. Like many fruit trees, directshine from the early morning gives the plant a much-needed energy boost for the day. The rest of the day should be in part shade or indirect light to avoid burning or drying out the foliage. As an added layer of protection during the hottest periods of the day, leaf canopies and trellises can be used for some added protection and shade.

pruning

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should specifically be done before the flowers appear. This allows plenty of time for the new growth to develop and fill in any gaps in the canopy of the tree. Light pruning should be done annually to maintain shape and promote fruiting, while heavier pruning can be done every 5 years to thin out the canopy and encourage the tree to generate new shoots and fruit production. Care should be taken when pruning, as too much pruning will reduce flowering and reduce its bearing of fruit.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Mespilus germanica typically begins in October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Medlar trees typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map