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Japanese Loquat Tree

$9995 $19995
Size

Sweet, juicy fruit: Produces golden-orange, plum-like fruit with a mild, tropical flavor, perfect for fresh eating or making jams.

Evergreen foliage: Features large, glossy green leaves that provide year-round ornamental value.

Cold-tolerant: More resistant to cooler temperatures than many tropical fruits, thriving in a range of climates.

Your Plants are Guaranteed

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Limited Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.

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Planting & Care

Planting Instructions for Japanese Loquat Tree

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant your Japanese Loquat in full to partial sun. Full sun gives the best fruit production, while some light shade is tolerated, especially in hotter climates. It grows outdoors in USDA Zones 8 through 11 and can be grown as a container patio tree in Zones 4 through 11. The tree is hardy to about 10 degrees F once established.
  2. Soil Preparation: Loquat thrives in well-draining soil. It adapts to many soil types but performs best in slightly acidic, loamy ground. Work compost into heavy soil to improve drainage, and avoid low areas where water pools, since soggy roots lead to decline.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, setting the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost and firm gently. The tree grows 15 to 20 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide with a rounded canopy, so give it that much room from buildings and other trees.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply right after planting to settle the soil. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help the tree get established. Once mature, loquat is fairly drought tolerant. Deep, infrequent watering is best because it encourages a strong, deep root system. Avoid soggy soil, and give extra water during long dry spells while fruit is developing.
  2. Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy leaves and fruit production. Organic compost spread around the root zone is also beneficial. Avoid overfeeding, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can push leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Loquat is resistant to most pests and diseases. Watch for fire blight, which causes branch tips to blacken and wilt, and prune out affected wood well below the damage with clean tools. Birds also enjoy ripe fruit, so netting can help protect your harvest.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Regular light pruning keeps it at a manageable height, which makes harvesting easier and is especially helpful for container-grown trees. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce the next crop.
  2. Winter Care: The tree itself is hardy to about 10 degrees F, but the flowers and young fruit are more tender than the leaves and wood. When a hard freeze is forecast, cover young trees with frost cloth. In cold zones, move container trees to a protected spot or indoors before freezing weather arrives.
  3. Growing in Containers: Loquat can be grown in a large container, a good option for small spaces or cold climates. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes, and prune regularly to keep the tree a manageable size. Container trees need more frequent watering than trees in the ground.

Additional Tips for Growing Japanese Loquat Tree

  1. Pollination and First Fruit: Most loquat trees are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit on its own. Bees visiting the fragrant white flowers help with pollination, and a second tree is not required but may increase your harvest. Grafted trees often begin fruiting within 2 to 3 years of planting, while seedling trees can take longer.
  2. Harvest Timing: The fruit ripens from spring into early summer, one of the earliest fruits of the home garden. Pick the golden-yellow clusters when fully colored and slightly soft. The sweet, tangy flavor is great fresh or in jams, pies, and sauces; remove the large seeds before eating or cooking.

Why Choose Our Japanese Loquat Trees?

Stronger Roots Mean Healthier Loquats
Some growers ship bare-root trees to cut costs, which often results in transplant shock and delayed growth. We ship our Japanese Loquat Trees in generous, soil-filled containers to protect their robust root systems. This ensures they establish quickly in your landscape and thrive from the start.

No Root-Bound Stress Here
It's common for nurseries to grow Japanese Loquat Trees in undersized pots, which causes the roots to circle tightly and stunt future growth. Our loquats are nurtured in spacious containers, allowing their roots to spread naturally. This means they can absorb water and nutrients efficiently, leading to a healthier, more vigorous tree.

Accurate Heights, No Guesswork
Other sellers may include the pot in their tree height measurements, which can be misleading. When we say your Japanese Loquat Tree is 4-5 feet tall, that’s measured from the soil line up. You’ll get the size you expect and a tree that makes an immediate impact in your garden.

True-to-Type, Expert Propagation
Unlike growers who rely on seed propagation—resulting in unpredictable fruit and growth habits—our Japanese Loquat Trees are expertly grafted to preserve the superior qualities of Eriobotrya japonica. You’ll enjoy consistent fruiting, dependable size, and the lush, tropical look these trees are known for.

The Japanese Loquat Tree thrives in Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Growing Zones for the Japanese Loquat Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Japanese Loquat Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
Mature Height 15-20 ft.
Mature Width 12-15 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Eriobotrya japonica

The Japanese Loquat Tree thrives in Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Growing Zones for the Japanese Loquat Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Japanese Loquat Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
Mature Height 15-20 ft.
Mature Width 12-15 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Eriobotrya japonica

Description

Japanese Loquat

Delicious Fruit, Beautiful Evergreen Foliage – A Perfect Addition to Your Garden

The Japanese Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), also known as the Loquat or Japanese Plum, is a stunning evergreen tree prized for its ornamental value and delicious, sweet fruit. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden with year-round beauty or want to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit, the Japanese Loquat is a fantastic choice. Its large, glossy leaves and fragrant blooms will add visual appeal to your landscape, while its juicy, apricot-like fruit is perfect for snacking or making jams, pies, and sauces.

Striking Appearance

The Japanese Loquat has a distinctive tropical look, with large, dark green, leathery leaves that are deeply veined, giving your garden a lush, exotic feel. In spring, clusters of fragrant, white to creamy-yellow flowers bloom, filling the air with a sweet scent. The tree’s rounded form and dense foliage make it an excellent ornamental tree or natural privacy screen.

Come late spring to early summer, this tree produces clusters of golden-yellow fruit that are not only delicious but also decorative. The fruit's sweet, tangy flavor is reminiscent of apricots and is highly versatile for fresh eating, cooking, or canning.

Why Choose the Japanese Loquat?

  • Beautiful Year-Round: The Japanese Loquat is evergreen, meaning its lush foliage provides visual interest year-round. The tree’s attractive leaves make it an ideal specimen plant or a feature in your landscape.
  • Edible Fruit: Not only is the tree beautiful, but it also produces delicious, nutritious fruit. Loquat fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, and its tangy sweetness makes it perfect for snacking or using in recipes.
  • Cold Hardy: While native to warmer climates, the Japanese Loquat is hardy down to about 10°F, making it suitable for USDA Zones 8-10.
  • Low Maintenance: The Japanese Loquat is relatively easy to grow and doesn’t require much attention once established. Its resistance to pests and diseases makes it a great choice for gardeners who want a reliable, low-maintenance tree.

Ideal Placement and Uses

  • In the Garden: The Japanese Loquat’s dense canopy and attractive foliage make it a beautiful addition to any landscape. Use it as a specimen tree, plant it near patios for shade, or grow it as a privacy screen or windbreak.
  • Edible Gardens: If you’re into growing your own food, the Japanese Loquat is an excellent choice. Its fruit matures in spring, adding early-season harvests to your edible garden.
  • Containers: Although it grows best in the ground, the Japanese Loquat can also be grown in large containers in smaller spaces, like patios or urban gardens. Just be sure to prune it regularly to maintain its size.

Easy Growing Tips

  • Light: Plant your Japanese Loquat in full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun for optimal fruit production, but it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates.
  • Watering: Water regularly to establish the tree, but once mature, the Japanese Loquat is fairly drought-tolerant. Deep, infrequent watering is ideal to encourage a strong root system.
  • Soil: The Japanese Loquat thrives in well-draining soil. It can adapt to various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic, loamy soil.
  • Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Organic compost can also be beneficial.
  • Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove any dead or damaged branches, or to shape the tree. Regular pruning can also help maintain a manageable size, especially in container-grown trees.

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants?

When you order your Japanese Loquat from Nationwide Plants, you’re getting more than just a tree—you’re investing in quality and service. Our trees are grown with expert care to ensure you receive a healthy, well-established plant that will thrive in your landscape. We guarantee:

  • Healthy, well-rooted trees that are ready to flourish in your garden
  • Fast, safe shipping to ensure your tree arrives in top condition
  • Excellent customer support with expert growing advice and care tips

Bring both beauty and bountiful harvests to your landscape with the Japanese Loquat. Its glossy evergreen foliage and delicious fruit make it a standout addition to any garden.

Order your Japanese Loquat today and enjoy the perfect blend of ornamental beauty and fresh fruit, right in your own backyard!

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