Mespilus germanica - 30-40 CM

Description
The Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a spreading, broad small tree that produces white, cup-shaped flowers. They appear from May to June. These produce brown, flat fruits from November. The Medlar also has lanceolate, dark green leaves. Its bark is grey. In a sunny to semi-shady location with calcareous, nutrient-rich, loamy soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 5 metres and grows to a width of approx. 5 metres.

Bulletpoints
* suitable for flowering hedges * the flowers are highly favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * attractive orange autumn colouring * easy to care for * heat-tolerant, resistant to urban climates, thermophilic, cannot be built over

Leaves
The deciduous leaves of the Medlar are dark green, lanceolate, alternate. They are about 7 - 12 cm tall. Medlar turns bright orange in autumn.

Bark
Grey bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
Southern Europe to Caucasus.

Frost hardiness
The Medlar has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Medlar is a spreading and wide-growing small tree with an opaque crown. It usually reaches a height of 3 - 5 m and is approx. 3 - 5 m wide.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the ground is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
- Fruit trees planted in spring must be watered generously throughout the summer. Well-rooted plants only need additional water in extremely dry conditions. - Cut back boldly in spring so that the plant grows compactly.

Flower
The white, cupped flowers appear from May to June. These grow to around 3 - 4 cm in size.

Fruit
Mespilus germanica forms brown fruits with a sweet, nutty flavour. The skin of these flat fruits is rough. Ripening time from November.

Use
Solitary, ornamental shrub, bee pasture, hedge, bird food plant, jam, liqueur

Root
Mespilus germanica is a deep-rooting plant.