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Fruit EdibleTrees

Mespilus germanica 'Dutch' (F)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

medlar 'Dutch'

'Dutch' is a small, spreading tree or large shrub with oblong leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn, and white flowers, 5cm in width, in late spring, followed by russet-brown fruit 5cm across

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Mespilus is a small spreading deciduous tree or large shrub with large leaves colouring well in autumn, and white flowers followed by edible fruits

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Wait to collect fruit until after frost has softened it

Propagation

Propagate by budding in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot and powdery mildews

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