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Mespilus germanica - Common Medlar

Mespilus germanica
Common Medlar

4,7/5
4 reviews
2 reviews
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A young plant much healthier than the other, but both have recovered well.

Sylvain, 06/05/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
A forgotten fruiting bush or small tree with a spring flowering of white blooms. In autumn, it bears unique russet-brown fruits that can be used to make delicious medlar jelly.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
5 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time May
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Description

Mespilus germanica, or medlar, is a forgotten fruit bush. It is very hardy and not demanding on soil type.

Its white flowering looks beautiful in a free hedge. However, if you prune it too short in a traditional hedge, your medlar will not flower. Its foliage takes on beautiful autumn colours and then disappears for the winter. Its habit is quite spread out, but it remains low; very few exceed 4 m (13 ft) in height. Its trunk is twisted and highly ramified. The branches sometimes have a few scattered large thorns. In autumn, it produces russet-brown unusual-shaped fruit, which is commonly used to make jams and jellies.

In a free hedge, for a diverse and natural association, mix Mespilus germanica with other species with different properties but similar requirements. For example, with a field maple and a spindle tree for foliage, a viburnum for flowering, a currant bush and a blackcurrant bush for their fruits. This type of hedge will surely attract bees and birds to your garden.

The medlar, its unique fruit, was used for generations as a source of energy during winter, and had a reputation for curing throat ailments. To consume medlar fruits, they must be allowed to blet, which means harvesting them after the first frost.

 

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Mespilus germanica - Common Medlar in pictures

Mespilus germanica - Common Medlar (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 5 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Mespilus

Species

germanica

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

Common Medlar

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference95982

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Planting and care

Plant in the soil of your garden without any specific addition unless it is extremely chalky or clayey. After planting, it is important to monitor watering during the first summer. Its habit can be thinned out by a light pruning at the beginning of winter.

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Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border, Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil

Care

Soil moisture Moist soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,7/5
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