What soil does Medlar grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Medlar be planted?

Plant it at least 5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Medlar need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Medlar

Mespilus germanica

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about PLN 49.

Illustration of Medlar — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, spreading little tree with slightly crooked branches, large dark green leaves, big white flowers in late spring and good autumn colour, so it also works as an ornamental in a small garden. It is self-fertile, a single tree crops well, and it flowers late, so spring frost rarely harms it. Pick the brown fruit in late autumn around the first frosts; it is only edible after a few weeks of storage, once it has turned soft (bletted). Grafted trees reach 3 to 6 m, and the rootstock (quince, hawthorn or pear) affects the final size.

Watch out for

In Central Europe medlar is one of the least troublesome fruit trees and crops without regular spraying. In wet years leaf blight (the same disease as on quince), brown rot and powdery mildew can occur, rarely fire blight, and among pests aphids, leafhoppers and codling moth. It needs hardly any pruning: the fruit forms at the shoot tips, so only take out diseased, dead and crossing branches. It suffers in dry, hot summers without watering and then the fruit stays small, and it dislikes waterlogging and very chalky soil. Seedlings and wild shoots from the rootstock can be thorny.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

All details

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	3–8 m × 3–8 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Harvest	October–November
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about PLN 49

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 49

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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