Bronze Loquat Care

This rounded, spreading, evergreen, small tree reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet with a 10 to 15-foot spread in a sunny spot. Taller trees can be found in partially shaded sites where the tree reaches skyward for light. The large, 8-inch-long leaves are a bright red-bronze or coppery color when young and maintain this color for a considerable period of time but eventually turn dark green. The small white, fragrant flowers are produced on terminal panicles in spring . Bronze loquat can be espaliered, grown in patio containers, or used as a specimen. Although shrubby with a tight, compact, dense crown, it can easily be trained into a small tree form .

Bronze loquat, Eriobotrya deflexa, is an attractive small tree with unusual foliage. The toothed leaves emerge a glossy brown-red-green, and mature to dark green. In summer it bears dark pink flowers, followed by fuzzy fruit. It’s extremely ornamental and is perfect for small gardens. Grow Eriobotrya deflexa in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Don’t let it dry out and prune regularly to maintain its shape. The Bronze loquat can be grown as a large mounding shrub to medium size evergreen tree, 25-30 ft. tall and as wide. It has large leaves, 8-10 in. long by 2-3 in. wide with coarsely serrated margins. It's most distinctive characteristic is the colorful red-bronze new growth that occurs at the ends of branches in the early to mid-spring; these leaves mature to dark green during summer. Large clusters of creamy-white flowers are followed by small inedible fruit. Bronze loquat is native to warm climates of southeast Asia and is appreciated as a relatively clean and attractive foliage plant. It is a good size for many residential and commercial spaces to provide shade and seasonal interest. It is sometimes grown as a large shrub and clipped as a formal hedge along walls and fences.