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Medlar Nottingham Medlar

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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more

Product Description

NOTTINGHAM MEDLAR

Characteristics

It is a small spreading tree that needs regular pruning to keep its shape.  It has pure white large flowers in the spring and lovely autumn colour which complements its attractive architectural appearance.

Medlar fruit is small and brown with an open bottom exposing its five seed boxes
The fruit cannot be eaten until it becomes over ripe the term used is ‘bletted’.  The flesh softens and starts to rot this will take up to 3 weeks. The fruit can be left on the tree a little longer to let the frost start that bletting process. 

The fruit has high pectin content so is ideal for making jams and jellies which go well with stilton cheese and port.  A favourite of both the Greeks and the Romans, it was the Elizabethans and Victorians who were the real enthusiasts of this fruit in this Country.

Fun facts

The wood of the Medlar tree is ideal for turning. Hard and fine grained that polishes up well. Was used to make arrows heads and, walking sticks and is virtually unbreakable.  The name Medlar originates from France.

 

 

Features

Mature Height

Very Small up to 5 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Open
Spreading

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Chalk/Limestone
Light sandy

Sun Levels

Full sun

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Easy

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Orange
Yellow

Leaf Colour

Green

Foliage

Dense
Large Leaves

Flower Colour

White

Flowering Type

Single

Flowering Month

May

Berries / Fruit Colour

Orange

Uses

Parkland Tree
Garden Tree
City/Urban Sites
Country/Farmland
Edible Fruit/Nuts

Season

Winter
Spring

Fruiting Period

October
November

Fruit Attributes

Eating

Fruit Pollination Type

Self Fertile

Fruit Colour

Orange

Fruit Size

Small

Aftercare

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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