Medlar

Family. Rosaceae.

Where does it grow? Europe Asia.

What does it look like? Medlars are large deciduous shrubs or low trees with a lush crown. The trunk is thin, covered with gray or light brown bark. The leaves are simple, oblong-lanceolate, dark green, 8 - 15 centimeters long, the leaf blades are bent along the central vein, covered with pubescence and have jagged edges. In autumn, the leaves acquire bright pink-red tones and fall off. Flowers are collected in apical inflorescences, white with 5 petals, male and female, up to 6 cm in diameter, fragrant. Before wilting, the petals often turn pink. After flowering, round orange or brown fruits are formed, about 2.5 cm in diameter. The fruits are edible and sweet to taste, often remaining the only decoration of the tree after all the leaves have fallen. Unfortunately, when grown indoors, fruits are set only at high air temperatures.

Height. In nature it reaches 7–8 m; in potted plants the plants are pruned.

Care at home

How to grow medlar from a seed 

Fresh seeds are sown in the spring, and they should first be soaked in warm water for a day and then subjected to cold stratification for 2 - 3 months at a temperature of 0 to 5 ° C. Plants begin to bear fruit at the age of 2 - 3 years. It is difficult for cuttings to take root and such propagation is mainly within the capabilities of professionals. Vaccinations.

Growing conditions - soil 

Tolerates any type of soil as long as it has good drainage and an acidic pH. 

When blooms 

May, flowering period lasts up to 2 months.

How to replant

Every spring, when growth begins, young trees are transplanted into larger pots. Mature bushes need to be replanted approximately every 2-3 years. For large tub specimens, a layer of soil about 5-7 cm thick is replaced with fresh soil annually.

Diseases and pests

Fungal diseases appear when there is insufficient air movement. Pests can be spider mites, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and caterpillars.

Containment temperature

During the period of active growth, the tree can grow at temperatures from 18 to 22 ° C; in the winter months, when the plants enter a dormant period, it is advisable to place it in a bright, cool place at a temperature not exceeding 12 ° C. 

Watering

Before each subsequent watering, dry the soil to almost half its depth. In the fall, gradually reduce the frequency of watering, and during the dormant period, simply do not overdry the earthen ball. 

Growing at home, formation

In warm months, take it outside, sheltering it from wind and rain. To give the home-grown medlar a neat and compact shape, cut off any shoots that are too long.

Feeding

From spring to autumn, feed with water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers every 2 weeks. During warm wintering, you can feed monthly. Relates well to organic fertilizers. 

Lighting

Direct sunlight can only reach shoots and leaves in the early morning or evening, and during the day it is worth shading. In autumn, if the tree sheds its leaves, lighting will not play any role.

Spraying 

To increase humidity, use a room humidifier or spray the plant in the morning. The bush prefers constantly ventilated rooms with good air circulation, but without cold drafts.

Note

The fruits are most often collected after the first frosts - at this time they become tasty and soft, they are eaten raw or used to make jams. The taste of the fruits resembles a combination of many fruits - such as apple, pear, cherry and apricot. Sometimes with age, a bush grown on a windowsill bares the lower part of the stems and no longer looks so beautiful - such specimens are replaced with a new plant. Medlar has phytoncidal properties and is able to kill pathogens in the air.