Nottingham Medlar Tree

Something a bit different the medlar is a small brown fruit that is picked in October or even November and then left to blet (decay) for several weeks until the flesh turns brown and soft with a flavour similar to cinnamon seasoned apple sauce. The tree is small with interesting gnarled bark, large green leaves that show good autumn colour and pretty white/blush flowers in May-June.

Nottingham Medlar trees tend to be flat topped with a spreading, almost weeping habit. It will grow well in any well drained, moist soil in a sunny position. A great choice for those who like to try something a bit different in the kitchen, ideal for preserves.

AKA Mespilus germanica 'Nottingham'

• Use: Dual purpose, culinary and dessert
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Cropping period: October/November
• Flavour: Cinnamon seasoned apple sauce
• Pollination group: B Self Fertile
• Height in 10 years*: 2.5-3m

*Indication of the un-pruned height of this Medlar on the different rootstocks in 10 years. Variations will occur due to planting position, pruning, geography etc

Planting advice for Nottingham Medlar Trees

Our pot grown Nottingham Medlar trees can be planted at any time of the year, whereas bare root ones need to be planted between November and March. Medlar trees should be spaced according to their rootstock, for example a Quince A (semi-vigorous) rootstock will require approx. 3 metres between trees, whereas a Quince C (dwarf) rootstock will require approx. 2 metres between trees.

Begin by removing weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole, then dig a square hole as deep as your root mass and approximately 3x as wide. To help your tree establish, sprinkle root grow in the hole.

Gently loosen the tree roots and place into the planting hole. Using 50% of the original soil and 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Make sure not to bank the soil up around the collar of the tree as this can cause problems. Add a stake and tie to anchor the roots, allowing it to establish more easily.

Watering Brown Turkey Fig Trees & Bushes

If you’re planting in spring or summer, water the Medlar tree well and regularly for the first few months and increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If you’re planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Once you see your fruits begin to swell, water again.

Tip: To check if the soil requires further water, dig a finger down into the soil, a few centimetres and if the soil feels even slightly moist, it does not need further watering. If it feels dry, water and repeat this test again.

Keep the area free of competing grass and weeds for several growing seasons.

Pruning advice for Nottingham Medlar Trees

Medlar trees do not require a lot of pruning and should not be hard pruned. For the first 3-4 years, an annual prune in winter helps create the right shape. Cut back the longest leader shoots by approximately a third of the previous year’s growth. Remove any awkwardly placed branches that cross the centre, any branches that are crowding the tree and any very long, old branches.

After the first four years, you can simply tidy up your medlar tree each winter. Lightly prune, removing any damaged, diseased or dead branches.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.