Medlar trees

Medlars are unusual orchard fruits, primarily for cooking. The blossom and trees also have ornamental appeal.

• Medlar trees

  Flanders Giant

  One of the largest-fruited medlars, with attractive blossom and autumnal colours.

  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
• Medlar trees

  Nottingham

  

  A popular Medlar, used mainly for cooking.

  £38.25buy

  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
  • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
• Medlar trees

  Royal

  

  A compact-growing Medlar, useful for smaller gardens.

  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile

How to choose Medlar trees

Medlars are an unusual fruit species, distantly related to pears and hawthorns, but with fruit that vaguely resembles crab-apples. They are quite easy to grow provided you have a sunny spot.

All medlars are self-fertile, and can be expected to fruit when the tree is 3-4 years old.

Medlars make attractive trees, with large ornamental flowers in spring, and often attractive leaf colours in autumn.

The fruits, which resemble small russet apples, are primarily used for fruit preserves, and have a rich luscious texture when cooked. Some enthusiasts also eat the fruits raw, after they have been left to "blet" for a few weeks.