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Bronze Loquat

Eriobotrya deflexa

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Bronze Loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) at Green Thumb Nursery

Bronze Loquat

Bronze Loquat

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Bronze Loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) at Green Thumb Nursery

Bronze Loquat foliage

Bronze Loquat foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Bronze Loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) at Green Thumb Nursery

Bronze Loquat fruit

Bronze Loquat fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 feet

Spread:  15 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  8b

Description:

A beautiful evergreen tree with coppery-red new foliage that persists for some time before turning dark green and glossy; fragrant white flowers in spring; fruits are not appetizing; an excellent, rare accent tree that also does well in containers

Ornamental Features

Bronze Loquat is clothed in stunning panicles of fragrant white star-shaped flowers with tan eyes at the ends of the branches in mid spring. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges coppery-bronze in spring. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Bronze Loquat is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Bronze Loquat is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Bronze Loquat will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.

Bronze Loquat is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features