Also known as Common Loquat · Eriobotrya · Japanese Loquat
Loquat (Rhaphiolepis bibas) is an evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its edible fruit, ornamental foliage, and fragrant flowers. It's a hardy and adaptable plant.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best fruiting, but tolerates partial shade. Protect young plants from intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells and fruiting. Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Mild to Warm
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate brief periods of frost once established, but protect from severe cold.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Reduce or stop feeding during fall and winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The seeds contain small amounts of cyanide compounds, but are not typically eaten. The fruit itself is safe.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water loquats regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Check the top few centimeters of soil; if dry, it's time to water.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Prune loquats after fruiting to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This also helps to shape the tree and improve air circulation.
Light pruning can be done to control size and encourage bushier growth if desired.
Loquats can be propagated from seed, but cultivars are best grown from cuttings or grafting. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or fall.
Grafting onto rootstock ensures desired fruit characteristics and disease resistance.
Young loquats may need repotting every 1-2 years. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one. Use well-draining potting mix. Repot in early spring before new growth begins to minimize stress on the plant.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Loquat (Rhaphiolepis bibas)
Where Loquat (Rhaphiolepis bibas) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rhaphiolepis |
| Species | Rhaphiolepis bibas |
Similar in genus Rhaphiolepis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
