The Japanese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is the best known of the loquats that come from Asia, which are related to the native loquats - both species belong to the rose family - but are not otherwise identical. The plant, also known as loquat or nispero, is cultivated primarily for its plum-sized, not unlike apricot-like fruits and, especially here, for its evergreen, shiny leaf decoration. However, the Japanese loquat is not particularly frost or winter hardy here.
Is the Japanese loquat hardy?
The Japanese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is not particularly frost or winter hardy in Germany. It is better to keep them in pots and overwinter in a cool, frost-free place in the greenhouse or house, at around five to a maximum of ten degrees Celsius.
German winters are unpredictable
You can often read on the Internet that Japanese loquats are hardy down to minus 15 °C (and sometimes even more) and can therefore be overwintered outdoors without any problems. However, gardening experience tells us the opposite, because these trees, which grow up to around 12 meters high in their homeland, are actually quite robust, but they are not at all frost-hardy or even snow-tolerant. The shrubs and trees usually survive mild winters outside without any problems, but as soon as the temperatures drop significantly - for example to less than five to eight °C - there is a risk of frost damage and even death of the tree due to freezing.
Planting Japanese loquat or not?
For this reason, you should refrain from planting the tree in the garden, because German winters are notoriously unpredictable. What may work well for a few years thanks to mild winters - the Japanese loquat grows and thrives outdoors all year round - can be ruined by a single harsh winter. If you still want to plant the plant, it is best to place it in a protected location near a house wall that radiates heat. In addition, the tree should always be wrapped up warmly if there is a risk of severe freezing temperatures, whereby the roots and trunk in particular must be protected from the cold.
Overwintering Japanese loquat in a pot
However, it is better to leave the Japanese loquat in the pot and bring it into the house or greenhouse from November. Here the tree overwinters in a bright, frost-free but cool location at around five to a maximum of ten degrees Celsius. Water the plant regularly so it doesn't dry out, but stop any fertilization. Larger specimens can sometimes be overwintered in a nursery for a fee - just ask your trusted gardener.
Tip
If wrapped appropriately warm, the Japanese loquat can of course also overwinter on the balcony, provided the temperatures don't drop too much. You should wrap both the planter and the plant in fleece or similar, although air exchange must be possible - otherwise the tree will get moldy under its winter cover.