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Eriobotrya japonica Argelino - Japanese Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica Argelino
Japanese Loquat

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35
21,50 € 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Available to order
12,90 € Bare root

Available in 5 sizes

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

A vigorous fruit tree with evergreen foliage, reaching 6 to 8 metres in height, prized for its medium-sized ovate fruits (around 65 grams) with fragrant, sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy flesh. Native to Algeria and widespread in Spain, the 'Argelino' variety is productive and hardy down to -12°C, though its autumn flowering is destroyed at -4°C.
Flavour
Sour
Height at maturity
7 m
Spread at maturity
4 m
Exposure
Sun
Self-fertilising
Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November
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Flowering time October to November
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Harvest time November
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Description

Japanese Loquat 'Argelino' (Eriobotrya japonica) is a variety renowned for its abundant production of deliciously refreshing golden-orange fruits. Native to Algeria and highly prized in the Mediterranean, this fruit tree is characterised by its beautiful evergreen foliage, elegant habit, and honey-producing, fragrant autumn flowering. Bountiful harvests can be enjoyed in mild climates, even those that are very dry in summer. Elsewhere, it will add a touch of exoticism to the garden throughout the year.

Japanese Loquat 'Argelino' belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to Japan and China, the species has become naturalised in many subtropical and temperate regions around the world. The 'Argelino' variety was developed in Algeria before being introduced to Spain in the early 20th century. It is the most widely cultivated variety in Spain today. It is also known as 'Algar', named after a valley in the municipality of Callosa d'en Sarrià (in Valencian...) in the province of Alicante, home to the largest loquat production in southern Europe. The 'Argelino' loquat is susceptible to scab. It is a self-fertile variety, but production will be greater when another Japanese loquat is planted nearby.

This fruit tree has an upright habit with a spreading crown and can reach a height of 6 to 8 m. Its foliage is evergreen in winter, with large, dark green leaves deeply veined and measuring between 20 and 25 cm in length. The leaves are alternate, oblong, with spaced serrations, and their underside is densely hairy, with a downy texture. Young shoots and buds are also cottony, hence the genus name Eriobotrya, meaning "woolly cluster" in Greek.

Flowering typically occurs in October-November. The flowers, arranged in downy pyramidal clusters, are creamy white and emit a pleasant scent of bitter almond. They measure about 2 cm in diameter and have five petals. The loquats ripen from May to June. They are ovoid, yellow-orange to golden-orange, with an average size of 4 cm and a weight of around 65 g. The orange flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy. They contain 1 to 4 inedible stones.

Harvesting Japanese Loquats 'Argelino' takes place in spring, when the fruits turn orange and become slightly soft to the touch. They detach easily from the tree and should be consumed quickly, as they are fragile and perishable.

In cooking, loquats can be enjoyed fresh, simply peeled and stoned. They are also ideal for making jams, compotes, sorbets, and pastries. In some regions, they are used to prepare artisanal liqueurs or chutneys to accompany meats and cheeses. The fruits are rich in vitamins A and C.

 

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Eriobotrya japonica Argelino - Japanese Loquat in pictures

Eriobotrya japonica Argelino - Japanese Loquat (Flowering) Flowering
Eriobotrya japonica Argelino - Japanese Loquat (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 7 m
Spread at maturity 4 m
Growth rate normal

Fruit

Fruit colour orange
Fruit diameter 4 cm
Flavour Sour
Use Table, Compote
Harvest time November

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time October to November
Inflorescence Thyrse
Fragrance Fragrant, bitter almond fragrance
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Eriobotrya

Species

japonica

Cultivar

Argelino

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

Japanese Loquat

Botanical synonyms

Eriobotrya japonica Algar, Mespilus japonica

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference24034

Other Medlar trees

Out of stock
45,00 € 4L/5L pot
35
21,50 € 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Available to order
12,90 € Bare root

Available in 5 sizes

Planting and care

Eriobotrya japonica 'Argelino' is ideal for coastal areas with relatively mild winters. It tolerates heat and summer drought well once established, but appreciates regular watering during the growth period. This fruit tree particularly enjoys mild and temperate climates, with a Mediterranean or subtropical influence. It thrives in regions with moderate winters, as although it can withstand temperatures down to -12°C, temperatures below -4/-5°C will destroy its flowers and compromise fruiting.

To cultivate the Japanese Loquat 'Argelino' in the ground, choose a sunny spot sheltered from cold winds, preferably against a south-facing wall in areas with harsher winters. It adapts to various soil types but prefers rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral soil. Plant in autumn or spring, by digging a hole at least 60 cm deep and incorporating well-rotted compost to encourage good root development. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and protects the roots from cold in winter.

Container cultivation is possible, especially in colder climates where the tree can be overwintered under shelter. Opt for a large container (at least 50 cm in diameter) with good drainage, using a mix of potting compost, well-rotted compost, and sand. Repot every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy growth.

Pruning is not essential, but can be carried out in late winter (February-March) to control height, thin out the centre of the tree, and remove dead or diseased wood. After fruiting, you can also shorten the branches that bore fruit to stimulate new shoots.

The Japanese Loquat is fairly resistant to diseases but may be susceptible to fire blight, aphid attacks, or scale insects in warm climates. Preventive treatment with insecticidal soap for aphids, along with regular leaf inspection, helps limit infestations. Good foliage aeration and well-drained soil help prevent fungal diseases such as scab.

 

18
5,90 €
8
17,50 €

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Free-standing, Container, Orchard
Region concerned Basque Country, Mediterranean olive zone, South West
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting spacing Every 400 cm
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), well-drained, deep

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not essential, but can be done in late winter (February-March) to control height, open up the centre of the tree, and remove dead or diseased wood. After fruiting, you can also shorten the shoots that have borne fruit to encourage new growth.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February to March, June
Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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