Multi-stem Trees
Mespilus germanica
Medlar
Gnarled, spreading and full of old-world charm, Mespilus germanica offers large white spring flowers, curious russet fruits and warm autumn colour.
Large, single white flowers in late spring
Distinctive russet fruits in autumn
Characterful, spreading habit
Warm autumn tones
Please check before you visit. Our nursery is very well stocked, but what we hold changes with the seasons, so this plant may not always be in stock. Enquire before you head over and we will check availability and the sizes we have for you.
At a glance
Type
Multi-stem tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Seasons of interest
Spring flowers, autumn fruit and colour
Eventual size
Typically 4 to 8 m tall
Position
Full sun
Soil
Most well-drained soils
Hardiness
Fully hardy in the UK
Available
A range of sizes and forms. Ask our team for current specimens and pricing.
Why we love it
The medlar has been grown in British gardens for centuries. Its wide, gnarled branches give instant age and character, especially as a multi-stem.
Big white blossoms in late spring are followed by unusual russet fruits, traditionally eaten once softened, or bletted, after harvest.
How to use it
Perfect for kitchen gardens, orchards and cottage or country gardens, or as a characterful feature tree in a lawn.
Planting and aftercare
Plant between autumn and spring in a sunny spot and water through the first two summers. Prune in winter to keep an open, balanced shape.
See it in person
Every plant at Form is hand-selected, none contains new peat, and nothing beats choosing yours by eye. Visit our Row Town showroom in Surrey, just 30 minutes from London, where our team will show you the best of what is on the nursery right now. We deliver across London, Surrey and the Home Counties, and nationwide.
Walk in any time during opening hours and you will be looked after. If you would like dedicated time with a specialist, book a Genus Bar appointment.
Frequently asked questions
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Harvest in late autumn, then leave the fruits to soften, or blet, for a few weeks until they turn brown and soft.
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Yes, it stays relatively compact and has interest in spring and autumn.
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We keep a very well-stocked nursery, but our stock changes with the seasons, so availability varies. Please email us before you visit and we will check what we have and the sizes available.
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Yes, and we would love you to. Every multi-stem tree is individual, with its own branch structure and character, so we always encourage customers to choose by eye. Our largest specimens are held at our Row Town showroom in Surrey. Walk in any time during opening hours, or book a Genus Bar appointment with one of our specialists. If you can’t visit, we are happy to send photographs of individual trees.
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Yes, we deliver nationwide. Deliveries are arranged by our dedicated in-house operations team, and larger specimens can be offloaded by HI-AB or Moffett where needed. We will always agree the most suitable option with you before delivery.
All our multi-stem trees
Explore every tree in our multi-stem trees collection, or view them all with photographs →
Mespilus germanica
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
Get in touch and we’ll help you find it. Our nursery is very well stocked and we can source almost any plant through our network of trusted growers. Email info@formplants.com, or send us your whole plant list through our bespoke sourcing service.