On 16/07/2014 14:27, Spider wrote:
Perhaps the mild winter helped, but we have a reasonable crop of Loquats
this year. The tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is very handsome and worth
growing if you have a sunny site. Birds love to shelter under its huge
evergreen leaves on rainy days.

I've seen it growing in many places in SE London, but wonder just how
far north it is able to grow. Do any urglers grow this tree - or see it
growing - further north?

Not really to answer your question, but I think Eriobotrya is a lot
hardier than generally believed. But that is just to survive and
produce leaves - not to flower and particularly not to produce any
fruit. I grew it (from seed when Tesco had some loquats on sale) in
Horsham from around 1986 - 94, and it survived happily. It never
flowered, and its leaves often got torn by the wind, which is perhaps
the biggest problem. I am certain the temperature some winters dropped
below -8°C. So if you want flowers and fruits, it isn't hardy, but if
you are happy with its leaves, then it is hardy.

More to your question, here is a comment from Dave's Garden
()http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2321/

"On Jun 21, 2009, FlorasGarden from BIRMINGHAM
United Kingdom wrote:

Re;(loquat) Eriobotria, encouraging flower and fruit in England.

I have a couple of really healthy, vigorous specimens, grown from seed,
that are around 7 years old, still a bit early for flowers/fruit (?) but
would love some tips on how to give them a 'nudge'.

they are beautiful little trees as they are, but it would be wonderful
to have them fruit!

I live in Central England, with a sheltered and south - facing garden,
they are very happy in their little warm spot, if anyone has any tips
for me, that would be great"

--

Jeff