Loquat ‘Christmas’ (Eriobotrya japonica hybrid)

‘Christmas’ Loquat is an ideal plant for container gardening in northern zones since it blooms and fruits easily at a young age. Loquat fruit measure nearly 2” long and grows in clusters of 5-25 at the terminal ends of the branches. The delicate and delicious fruit ripen to apricot- yellow and are soft, sweet and juicy when they’re ready to eat. Each fruit contains 2-3 inedible brown seeds inside. Loquats are native to southern China and they are in the same family as apples, pears and quince, although they are only hardy to zone 9. ‘Christmas’ Loquat is a small tropical tree with long 12” stiff, green leaves that are tinged white on the undersides. This is a grafted plant that blooms and fruits sooner.