The Hardy and Tropical Loquat Tree: Perfect for Cooler Climates

Most think of palm trees when they think of tropical plants, but is there another way to add that warm feeling to your garden? The loquat tree not only has a tropical feel and bears fruit, but it is also drought-tolerant.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a cold-hardy tree that surprisingly grows well in the Pacific Northwest and other temperate climates. I certainly didn’t think something like this could grow in Oregon or Washington, let alone thrive.

Loquat trees have large, long, glossy green leaves that can be up to 12 inches long, giving any setting a kind of rainforest feel. These leaves have an oval shape with pointed tips and can be used for shade to add some zing to the garden. In addition, the loquat tree produces fragrant white flowers in early spring that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Don’t forget about the fruit. Small, round, or pear-shaped plums can be eaten fresh or used in recipes for jams, jellies, and desserts. The fruit is sweet and tangy, almost sour. I like to liken it to a plum-citrus fruit, and to top it off, it's loaded with fiber.

Loquat trees are easy to care for and require little maintenance once established. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location, although they can tolerate some shade. They are also drought-tolerant and can survive short periods of dry weather without watering.

There are several varieties of loquat trees suitable for the Pacific Northwest region, including 'Advance,' 'Gold Nugget,' 'Obusa,' and 'Mizuho.' You can expect juicy fruit that is ready to harvest in mid-to-late spring. The 'Gold Nugget' variety is a smaller tree that produces small, sweet fruit ready to harvest in early-to-mid spring. The 'Mizuho' is a larger tree that produces large, juicy fruit ready to harvest in late spring. It actually has slightly longer leaves, giving it a bit of an edgier touch in terms of appearance. 'Obusa' has slightly shorter, more oval-shaped leaves, with fruit that falls in the middle of the size range. The reality is that there isn’t much of a difference in fruit quality when comparing the different varieties.

For wholesale buyers looking to expand their plant inventory, loquat trees can be a valuable addition to their offerings. These trees are unique and really put smiles on faces when customers discover them.

While palm trees may be the go-to choice for adding an exotic touch to a garden or outdoor space, the loquat tree is a hardy and versatile alternative that is well-suited for the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. With its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and delicious fruit, the loquat tree can add both beauty and functionality to any landscape. As a wholesale buyer, consider adding loquat trees to your inventory to offer your customers a unique and high-quality plant option.