The cotoneaster is known as a ground cover and finds a place in many gardens. But in addition to it, there are numerous other species of medlar. All have their advantages and serve different purposes. Here's a quick overview.
What types of medlar are available for the garden?
There are numerous species of medlar, including cotoneaster species such as cotoneaster, cushion medlar and rock medlar, as well as mespilus species such as Mespilus germanica with different varieties such as 'Early Medlar', 'Seedless' and 'Dutch cotoneaster'. They are suitable for different purposes such as ground cover, solitary plants or hedge shrubs.
The Cotoneaster species
The cotoneaster is not really a medlar. It got its name because of the similarity of its fruits to the real medlar. There are numerous species and varieties of cotoneasters.
While the loquats Cotoneaster dammeri and Cotoneaster horizontalis (varieties include 'Park Carpet' and 'Herbstfeuer') grow up to 60 cm high, the loquat as a ground cover reaches a height of 25 cm. The rock medlar, wintergreen cotoneaster, willow-leaved loquat, cotoneaster and loquat (e.g. 'Cornubia' and 'Pendulus') are ideal as solitary plants.
Here are the Cotoneaster species that are suitable as hedge shrubs:
- Cotoneaster (up to 1.50 m high)
- Cotoneaster (up to 3 m high)
- Large-leaved cotoneaster (up to 4 m high)
- Gray cotoneaster (up to 3 m high)
- Broad cotoneaster (up to 3 m high)
- Cotoneaster (up to 2 m high)
- Tall cotoneaster (up to 3 m high)
The Mespilus species
In the Mespilus genus, Mespilus germanica stands out. This plant is considered a 'true' medlar. There are different types of it:
- Mespilus germanica var gigantea (with very large fruits)
- Mespilus germanica var abortiva (fruits without seeds)
- Mespilus germanica var argenteo-variegata (with white variegated leaves)
- Mespilus germanica var aureo-variegata (with yellow variegated leaves)
The first two species include the following proven varieties, which are ideal for cultivation in order to harvest the fruits:
- ‘Early Medlar’ (early ripening)
- ‘Seedless’
- 'Dutch Medlar'/'Dutch Medlar' (most commonly planted, large fruits, high yields, good taste)
- 'Cotoneaster'/'Royal' (high yield, medium size, good taste)
- ‘Hungarian’ (weaker growth)
Tips & Tricks
The Mespilus germanica is extremely undemanding in terms of location and care. She usually gets along on her own after a short time. The large fruits are also a tasty and vitally rich snack in the autumn and winter.
