Medlar 'Dutch'

'Dutch' medlar is a charming and somewhat unusual fruit tree, perfect for adding historical interest to a UK garden. It produces large, flattened, brownish-green fruits that are traditionally 'bletted' (softened by frost or storage) before eating, revealing a delicious, spiced apple sauce-like flavour. The tree itself is highly ornamental, with attractive silvery-green leaves, striking large white flowers in late spring, and a picturesque, gnarled habit as it matures. It is self-fertile and relatively unfussy about soil type, as long as it's well-drained. Prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot. Fruits ripen in October-November.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May.