The Story
Plant Bio
Mespilus germanica, the medlar, is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree or large shrub native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe. It develops a rounded, spreading crown of twisted, often spiny branches clothed in dull green, hairy leaves that turn yellow and red in fall.
Solitary, five-petaled white flowers up to two inches across open in early summer, followed by unusual, open-ended brown fruits. The fruit remains hard and astringent until softened by frost and storage, a ripening process known as bletting.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240"
Width
240"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with fertile, well-drained loamy soil protected from strong winds.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the graft union remains above the soil line.
- Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
- Apply an annual layer of organic mulch or compost in spring to conserve soil moisture and provide slow-release nutrients.
Pro Tip
Avoid heavy pruning, which ruins the naturally picturesque, twisted branching habit; restrict cuts to removing dead or crossing limbs during winter dormancy.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Blet the harvested fruit in a cool, dry place until the flesh turns soft, brown, and sweet-tart before eating.
- Protect young trees with tree guards to prevent deer and rabbits from chewing the tender bark.
- Prune lightly and only during late winter dormancy to maintain the natural structural form.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as this significantly reduces fruiting and spoils the tree's form.
- Do not attempt to eat the fruit directly from the tree while it is rock-hard and highly astringent.
- Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Medlar questions
What zones can Medlar grow in?
Medlar is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Medlar deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Medlar, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Medlar bloom?
Medlar typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Medlar need full sun?
Medlar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Medlar drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Medlar handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Medlar with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.