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Price range: $18.00 through $34.00
Note: we are releasing very small (but totally plantable) grades this season. Larger grades will be available in a few months. If you require a larger grade, please sign up on the waitlist.
Approx 10-15cm tall in 11cm pot
Evergreen subtropical shrub or tree in the Rosacea family, but as it is native to the highlands of China it is frost hardy to -7 degrees, occasionally even lower for short periods. Flowers form in autumn and fruit is borne in November so loquats are one of the earliest fruiting trees, helping to expand the fruit season. The flowers are adored by bees and have a wonderful fragrance. The fruits are orangey-yellow in colour, with a sweet sub-acid flavour, some say resembling a cross between a peach and apricot in taste, although the texture is different. Fruit hangs in clusters, and along with the lush foliage make this a stunning specimen tree. The evergreen nature can add a touch of the subtropics to your garden even in temperate zones!
Loquat trees usually grow to a height of 3-4 m but can be taller, and have a canopy 4-6m wide. Some varieties can be self-fertile, others will need a pollinator nearby. Ours are seed grown. This means that they may take up to 7-8 years to produce fruit, but are prolific thereafter. Seed grown varieties also seem to do much better than grafted ones in cooler areas of the country, and equally well in warmer areas.
NOTE: Loquats have naturalised in many warmer parts of Aotearoa, and in some areas are invasive. From 1st September 2022 we legally cannot cannot sell to Auckland, and so will refrain from doing so immediately.
From this date you:
See https://www.tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/protect-and-restore-our-environment/pests-in-auckland/home/erijap/ for more info.
Loquats require full sun but will tolerate partial afternoon shade in summer. They are suitable for most soil types apart from extremely sticky clay or completely free draining. Pruning is rarely required except if branches are in the way of access.
Loquats have also been used historically as folk medicines for thousands of years. Extracts have been used for the treatment of cough, chronic bronchitis, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The efficacy of loquat, as used in traditional Chinese medicine, is supported by current scientific evidence regarding the pharmacologically active compounds in plant extracts. Loquat leaves and flowers are rich in phenolics and triterpenes; fruits are rich in sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamins. Loquat leaves can also be applied in topical form as creams to combat acne and other skin conditions, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
