Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat)

Botanical name

Eriobotrya japonica

Other names

Loquat, Nispero, Japanese loquat, Japanese medlar, Japanese plum

Genus

Eriobotrya Eriobotrya

Species

E. japonica - E. japonica is a large evergreen shrub with glossy leaves which are felted brown underneath, small scented white flowers in autumn and winter, follwed by apricot-yellow fruit in spring.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Scented flowers

Habit

Rounded, Bushy

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

White in Autumn; White in Winter

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Mealybugs

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) will reach a height of 9m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, City, Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Sub-Tropical, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant outside in moist, humus-rich, free-draining, soil in sun. Protect from frost to prevent damage. Or grow in loam-based potting compost inside in full or bright filtered light with good ventilation.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orgyia thyellina

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest from Eastern Asia which could be damaging to broadleaf and coniferous species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be on goods (including non-plant material) imported from Eastern Asia and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/