Loquat Eriobotrya Japonica - 14cm Pot

Loquat is a hardy, evergreen fruit tree valued for its large, glossy green leaves, spreading canopy and delicious, sweet-tangy fruit. Combining ornamental appeal with productive fruiting, it makes an attractive feature tree for home gardens.

Its bold, textured foliage creates a lush, tropical appearance, with large leaves providing excellent contrast against finer-leaved plants. As the tree matures, it develops a naturally broad, spreading crown that offers welcome shade during warmer weather.

Loquats produce clusters of small, rounded to oval fruit with golden-yellow to orange skin. Resembling miniature apricots, the fruit has a mild, sweet-tangy flavour often compared to a combination of peach and mango.

The fruit can be enjoyed fresh from the tree or used in homemade jams, preserves, sauces and desserts. Fruiting generally occurs from spring to early summer, depending on local growing conditions.

With its attractive evergreen foliage and naturally spreading growth habit, Loquat is equally useful as a feature tree, informal screening plant or addition to a productive garden.

It tolerates light pruning to maintain its shape and size, making it suitable for a range of garden settings. Left unpruned, it will gradually develop a wider canopy, providing shade and year-round greenery.

Loquat is well suited to Melbourne gardens, particularly when planted in a sunny position protected from strong winds.

Mature size: approximately 6 metres high × 4 metres wide.

Care & Growing Tips
Position: Plant in full sun to part shade. A sunny position encourages healthy growth and fruit production. Choose a sheltered location protected from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves.

Soil: Adaptable to a range of soil types, including acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. Well-drained soil is preferred for healthy root development.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, Loquat is relatively hardy but benefits from supplementary watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly while developing fruit.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and reduce weeds. Keep mulch clear of the trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser or well-rotted compost in spring to support healthy growth and fruit production, following the manufacturer's directions.

Pruning: Lightly prune to maintain the desired size and shape or remove dead, damaged and crossing branches. Avoid excessive pruning, as this may reduce flowering and fruit production.

Frost Tolerance: Established trees tolerate light frosts, although flowers and developing fruit can be damaged by colder conditions. In Melbourne, a sheltered position can help protect fruiting growth from winter cold.

Flowering & Fruiting: Loquats typically flower during the cooler months, with fruit developing and ripening from spring to early summer, depending on climate and seasonal conditions.

Harvesting: Pick fruit when it has developed a rich yellow to orange colour and feels slightly soft. Fully ripe fruit has the best flavour and is best enjoyed soon after harvesting.

Growth Habit: Naturally develops a broad, spreading canopy. Allow adequate space for mature growth or maintain a more compact form with occasional light pruning.

Ideal for
— Home-grown fruit gardens
— Feature and specimen tree planting
— Evergreen garden screening
— Creating shade in garden spaces
— Edible gardens and productive backyards
— Tropical-style garden designs
— Gardens needing bold foliage contrast
— Informal screening and boundary planting
— Fresh eating and homemade preserves
— Spring and early summer fruit harvesting
— Larger courtyards with adequate growing space
— Melbourne gardens with sheltered positions
— Gardeners wanting an ornamental and productive tree
— Low-maintenance evergreen planting