Home >

Eriobotrya deflexa, Bronze Loquat

This is a nice alternative to the more common Japanese Loquat with striking red, emerging foliage and a compact form. Providing best fruit and form when grown in full sun, Loquat can tolerate partial shade and a variety of well-drained soils. It grows well on soils with a high pH and maintains the characteristic dark green foliage. Clay soil is acceptable as long as there is sufficient slope to allow surface water to run away from the root system. Leaves and seeds are considered poisonous. Pollen causes only slight allergy problems.

It often looks best in the southern portion of its range when given some shade in the afternoon, especially if it is not irrigated. Loquat should be well-watered until established, but can then survive periodic droughts. Do not over fertilize since this could increase sensitivity to fire blight disease. Loquat may live only 20 to 30-years so it should not be considered a permanent fixture in the landscape. It performs well along the coast with some protection from salty air. Foliage emerges with a bright maroon tinge. Trees are tolerant of urban conditions and have performed well as street trees.