Sources

GBIF - Mespilus germanica (species) taxonomy record — Plant family
GBIF — Scientific name
RHS — Sun needs, Height (cm), Water needs
RHS Pests A–Z; UC IPM Pest Notes — Pest vulnerabilities
RHS Plants for Pollinators; Kew; PFAF — Insect types
PFAF — Lifespan, Edible, Soil notes
PFAF (Plants For A Future) — Root depth, Min. hardiness temp (°C)
Rosaceae family classification — Nitrogen fixer
Wikipedia — Plant family, Lifespan, Edible, Sun needs, Height (cm), Needs pollination, Propagation methods

Medlar

tree

Mespilus germanica

Ancient EU fruit eaten after bletting (softened by frost). Ornamental with attractive blossom and autumn colour. Self-fertile. Very low maintenance — rarely affected by pests.

Deciduous tree
Fruit-bearing
Frost-hardy
Ornamental

🐝 Needs pollinators

Pests & beneficial insects

🐛 Prone to: Aphids.

Attract Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybugs, Parasitic wasps to keep them in check — plant African MarigoldGreat, Belgian EndiveGreat and ChervilGreat nearby.

How to grow Medlar

Space400 cm apart
GrowFull sun

Water: Medium · Height: 500 cm · Soil: Well-draining, any reasonable soil — very tolerant

How it's grown

Medlar is usually grown from grafting rather than seed. A shoot of the desired plant is joined onto a compatible rootstock so the two grow together.

Want exact dates? Create a free account to see sowing windows tuned to your local frost dates.

Sources

GBIF - Mespilus germanica (species) taxonomy record — Plant family
GBIF — Scientific name
RHS — Sun needs, Height (cm), Water needs
RHS Pests A–Z; UC IPM Pest Notes — Pest vulnerabilities
RHS Plants for Pollinators; Kew; PFAF — Insect types
PFAF — Lifespan, Edible, Soil notes
PFAF (Plants For A Future) — Root depth, Min. hardiness temp (°C)
Rosaceae family classification — Nitrogen fixer
Wikipedia — Plant family, Lifespan, Edible, Sun needs, Height (cm), Needs pollination, Propagation methods

Grow or find Medlar

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A fellow Rosaceae — similar growing habits to Medlar

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia

tree

Same aphids challenge as Medlar — similar protective companions help

Honeyberry

Lonicera caerulea

fruit

Thrives in the same full sun, moderate water conditions as Medlar

← Catalog

Sources

GBIF - Mespilus germanica (species) taxonomy record — Plant family
GBIF — Scientific name
RHS — Sun needs, Height (cm), Water needs
RHS Pests A–Z; UC IPM Pest Notes — Pest vulnerabilities
RHS Plants for Pollinators; Kew; PFAF — Insect types
PFAF — Lifespan, Edible, Soil notes
PFAF (Plants For A Future) — Root depth, Min. hardiness temp (°C)
Rosaceae family classification — Nitrogen fixer
Wikipedia — Plant family, Lifespan, Edible, Sun needs, Height (cm), Needs pollination, Propagation methods

Medlar

tree

Mespilus germanica

Ancient EU fruit eaten after bletting (softened by frost). Ornamental with attractive blossom and autumn colour. Self-fertile. Very low maintenance — rarely affected by pests.

Deciduous tree
Fruit-bearing
Frost-hardy
Ornamental

🐝 Needs pollinators

Pests & beneficial insects

🐛 Prone to: Aphids.

Attract Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybugs, Parasitic wasps to keep them in check — plant African MarigoldGreat, Belgian EndiveGreat and ChervilGreat nearby.

How to grow Medlar

Space400 cm apart
GrowFull sun

Water: Medium · Height: 500 cm · Soil: Well-draining, any reasonable soil — very tolerant

How it's grown

Medlar is usually grown from grafting rather than seed. A shoot of the desired plant is joined onto a compatible rootstock so the two grow together.

Want exact dates? Create a free account to see sowing windows tuned to your local frost dates.

Sources

GBIF - Mespilus germanica (species) taxonomy record — Plant family
GBIF — Scientific name
RHS — Sun needs, Height (cm), Water needs
RHS Pests A–Z; UC IPM Pest Notes — Pest vulnerabilities
RHS Plants for Pollinators; Kew; PFAF — Insect types
PFAF — Lifespan, Edible, Soil notes
PFAF (Plants For A Future) — Root depth, Min. hardiness temp (°C)
Rosaceae family classification — Nitrogen fixer
Wikipedia — Plant family, Lifespan, Edible, Sun needs, Height (cm), Needs pollination, Propagation methods