Medlar

Mespilus germanica

Small ancient European fruit tree, near-extinct in commerce but still grown by enthusiasts. Picked hard, eaten only after bletting (controlled softening).

Hardiness ratings

Medlar hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −23 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Fruit must be bletted — left after frost or stored cool until flesh turns brown and soft
  • Self-fertile; tolerant of poor soils

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Medlar against your zones

Reference

Medlar on Wikipedia