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Loquat, Japanese Plum
Eriobotrya japonica
Japanese Plum Loquat is a small evergreen tree or large shrub that is highly valued for its attractive foliage, fragrant blooms, and edible fruit. Its dark green, leathery leaves provide year-round interest, while clusters of white, sweetly scented flowers appear in late fall to early winter (October to February), followed by small, golden-orange fruit in spring to early summer. This tree is an excellent choice for ornamental plantings, edible landscapes, and privacy screens in Texas gardens.
Loquats thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil but are highly adaptable to both acidic and alkaline conditions. Once established, they are drought tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering, particularly during fruit production. While generally deer resistant, they may attract wildlife such as birds and small mammals that feed on the fruit. Loquats are a great addition to gardens where edible landscaping is a priority, however note the seeds do have a mild toxicity to pets.
This variety grows to a mature height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet, forming a dense, rounded canopy. When planting multiple trees for a privacy screen or orchard, spacing of 12-15 feet apart ensures healthy growth and proper air circulation. Compared to other fruit trees, loquats are relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage airflow.
Loquats produce small, sweet-tart fruit that can be eaten fresh or used for making jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts. The fruit ripens in spring and early summer, providing a seasonal harvest for home gardeners. With its high vitamin A content and antioxidants, loquat fruit is both nutritious and delicious, making it a valuable addition to edible landscapes.
In USDA Zones 8-10, loquats are cold hardy but may suffer leaf damage or fruit loss in temperatures below 25°F. Young trees are more vulnerable to freezing conditions and should be protected with frost cloth or mulch during hard freezes. In warmer regions of Texas, they thrive with minimal winter care and produce reliable fruit crops each year.
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Edible ornamental tree |
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Fragrant fall blooms |
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Drought and heat tolerant |
Flower Color:Yellow-White
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Height:15-25 Feet
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Spread:15-20 Feet
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Spacing:12-15 ft
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USDA Hardiness Zone 7b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| LOQ-JAP-15 |
#015 LOQUAT, JAPONICA PLUM |
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| LOQ-JAP-30 |
#030 LOQUAT, JAPONICA PLUM |
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| LOQ-JAP-45 |
#045 LOQUAT, JAPONICA PLUM |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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