How hardy is it?

German winters are unpredictable

On the Internet one can read more often that Japanese loquats are hardy down to minus 15 ° C (and sometimes even more) and can therefore be overwintered outdoors without any problems. However, the horticultural experience teaches us the opposite, because these in their home country up to about 12 meters high growing trees are actually quite robust, but they are frost hardy or even tolerant of snow not at all. The shrubs or bushes survive mild winters. Trees mostly outside without any problems, but as soon as the temperatures drop sharply - to less than five to eight ° C - there is a risk of frost damage or even death of the tree due to freezing.

Plant out the Japanese loquat or not?

For this reason, you should refrain from planting the tree in the garden, because German winters are known to be unpredictable. What may go well for a few years thanks to mild winters - the

Japanese loquat grows and thrives all year round outdoors - can be ruined by a single severe winter. If you still want to plant the plant out, 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 warm when it is threatened with sub-zero temperatures, with the roots and trunk in particular having to be protected from the cold.

Japanese loquat overwinter in a pot

However, it is better to leave the loquat in the pot and bring it to the house or from November. to bring into the greenhouse. Here the tree winters in a light and 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 hibernate in a nursery for a fee - just ask a gardener you trust.