Common Medlar, Mespilus germanica, Hardy Fruit Shrub or Small Tree, Rarely Offered, Great for UK Climate, Year Old (10cm) Plant in a 8cm Pot

• A small tree or shrub with elegant foliage. It is very ornamental when in flower. Flowers are made up of five broadly ovate white petals.
• In the late Autumn, the dark green leaves turn to a burnt orange-brown and are followed by reddish-brown fruit. Great for those with a smaller garden.
• A 10cm tall starter plant (not branched) in an 8cm pot. This plant will be ready to be planted out this Spring. Fully hardy and grown outdoors.
• Our plants are securely packaged using our special packaging method.
• All of our plants are propagated and grown on our nursery in the UK and your plants will be freshly hand picked from our benches.

Common Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a hardy plant, resistant to urban pollution and heat. Full sun and slightly acidic soil are best for its optimal growth and flowering. A small tree or large shrub that is native to Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. The shrub is known to have been around for over 3000 years, its fruit was eaten from the Roman times through to Medieval times. In the late Autumn, the dark green leaves turn to a burnt orange-brown and are followed by reddish-brown fruit. The fruit is one of very few that becomes edible during the winter. It is a similar shape to an apple and when bletted, its flavour and consistency are very similar to apple sauce. It can be made into jellies, medlar cheeses or preserves. During May – June, flowers made up of five broadly ovate white petals appear, reaching up to 6cm in width. Very ornamental, when it is in flower. When planted in its ideal conditions, it can grow to heights of 6m and when mature, the tree can develop a broad crown which looks similar to that of an umbrella. The large shrub consists of long, dark green, leathery leaves which are slightly hairy underneath.