Set of 2 Loquat - Eriobotrya japonica - Japanese woolly medlar - Height 35cm - 9cm pot

Eriobotrya japonica, better known as Japanese Woolly Spurge or Loquat, is a beautiful and easy plant that will give your garden or patio a sunny, exotic atmosphere. This set of 2 plants, delivered in 9 cm pots and 35 cm high, is native to China and Japan and grows into a small tree or hefty shrub of 3-4 metres. It stays green all year with large, dark, slightly hairy leaves that look a little grey-green. From March to May it blooms with fragrant, whitish-yellow flowers in clusters, and then come the fruits: yellow to orange, hairy globules 3-5 cm in size. These taste sweet to sour, a bit like apricot or plum, and are delicious to eat on their own, in jam, juice or pie.

The Japanese Wolisepel likes a warm, sunny spot, preferably south-facing and out of the wind. It does well in a pot on your terrace, but you can also put it in the open ground in a sheltered spot. The soil should be well-watered, and it tolerates pruning well - do so in late summer for a neat shape. In the Netherlands, it flowers in spring, and the fruits are ready in July or August. Let them ripen on the plant, as post-ripening does not work well. It is self-pollinating, so you only need one plant for fruit. In warm areas like Italy (where they are called 'nespole'), it is a popular fruit!

It is not completely hardy and cannot withstand severe frost (below -10 degrees). In cold weather, it is better to put it inside in a greenhouse, conservatory or shed, or wrap it well with, for example, a blanket if it is outside. The flowers and leaves can freeze to death, but in a sheltered spot it is more likely to bear fruit. In terms of care, it is simple: give it a sunny spot and plenty of water, especially in dry times. This evergreen plant is not only useful for fruit, but also a beautiful ornamental shrub that will add colour to your garden all year round!