Loquat shrub
The reports of loquats flowering and fruiting in Britain seem to reflect the milder winters we have had – until the last one! I have assumed that these are seedlings of fruit imported from the Mediterranean regions where there are a number of varieties selected for their fruits. It would be interesting to try out the ones that seem to do well here and Brogdale Farm, home to the National Fruit Collection, is a good place to do this. We are collecting new fruit crops that may do well in our warming climate. With the reported cultivars already fruiting we have a good start for loquats.
My own experience says that loquats must be variable in their response to our climate. I have had one for at least 30 years that has never flowered. I moved it from a wall to an open position about five years ago and still no flowers. It has very large, shiny leaves and typical fawn young shoots as the photograph shows. It has never shown any sign of cold damage even after the last severe winter in Kent. It is very ornamental – but no fruit. Would anyone with a fruiting loquat let us have some cuttings so that we can start a trial at Brogdale? If so, please email me at tomladell@aol.com with your details and we will send you a post paid packet to send them to us at the right time.
Tom La Dell
See also earlier post on this Blog on loquats fruiting in London.
There used to be a very large Loquat bush on the south west cafe wall at Brogdale. I think it flowered but I never saw any fruit.
I’m always amused at folks who always seem interested in growing fruits from outside their region and climate. Here in Southern California we have loquat trees growing all up and down the street, where the fruit falls off the trees uneaten and is hit by the lawn mowers.
Meanwhile, I’m out in the garden this morning thinning the bumper crop of apples the Bramley tree set this year despite our meager 200 chilling hours…
We have a loquat in front of our house here in SW France. It produces fruit whenever there is not too much frost in November – December. There is a good specimen at Kew which was in flower last time I was there in November – wonderful honey smell.