Medlar Mespilus germanica
Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to South-west Asia and south-east Europe. It grows 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Medlar in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Medlar at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (after bletting, i.e. softening, in late autumn) |
| Native to | South-west Asia and south-east Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Medlar toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Medlar
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Medlar
- How far apart should I plant Medlar?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does Medlar need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Medlar need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Medlar?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Medlar flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Medlar poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Medlar?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Self-fertile; fruit is picked hard and stored until brown and soft.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata