The Revival of the Medlar: Growing Ancient Fruit in Containers

Once a staple of the Victorian walled garden and the medieval banquet table, the Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a fruit tree that has sadly fallen into obscurity in modern British horticulture. However, this charming tree is staging a quiet comeback. With its twisting, sculptural branches, stunning blossom, and unique autumnal fruit, the Medlar is an ideal candidate for the ornamental kitchen garden.

For those with limited space, courtyards, or patios, the good news is that Medlars take exceptionally well to life in a pot. Growing them in containers not only keeps the tree to a manageable size but also allows you to highlight their architectural beauty against the backdrop of the changing British seasons.

Choosing the Right Tree

When selecting a Medlar for a planter, you must look for a tree grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock. In the UK, Quince C or Quince A rootstocks are the standard. A tree on Quince C will remain compact, making it the perfect patio inhabitant, rarely exceeding a few metres in height. Varieties like ‘Nottingham’ are renowned for their reliability and excellent flavour, while ‘Royal’ is known for slightly larger fruit.

Selecting Your Planter

Medlars are long-lived trees, and they require a permanent home that offers stability against the wind and plenty of room for root development. Aesthetics are equally important, as the container should frame the tree’s gnarled, rustic character.

For a traditional, established orchard look that suits the British landscape perfectly, consider planting your Medlar in one of our 65cm to 90cm diameter rustic whisky barrels. These provide the substantial depth a fruit tree requires and are available with faded silver rings, rustic rings, or painted black rings to suit your garden's specific style.

If your outdoor space leans towards modern design, you might prefer a sharper contrast. Our zinc square planters offer a contemporary edge and are available in matte black, matte grey, white, matte copper, or gloss black. These are particularly striking when the tree is in full blossom.

Alternatively, for a softer, organic approach that bridges the gap between the patio and the garden beds, our up to 60cm wood square planters (available in natural wood, black, or grey) serve as a subtle patio growing option that allows the tree itself to take centre stage.

Planting and Soil

Drainage is paramount. Medlars dislike waterlogged roots, which is a common risk in the UK’s damp climate. Ensure your chosen planter has adequate drainage holes. Place a layer of broken crocks or stones at the base of the pot to aid water flow.

For the growing medium, garden soil alone will not suffice as it tends to compact in pots. Use a soil-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, mixed with about 20% grit or perlite to improve aeration. This heavy, loam-based compost provides the stability and nutrient retention the tree needs for long-term health.

The Seasonal Cycle: Flowering and Fruiting

One of the greatest advantages of the Medlar in Britain is its flowering time. Unlike many other fruit trees that blossom early and risk damage from late frosts, the Medlar blooms late.

Flowering: You can expect a flush of large, solitary flowers appearing in late May or early June. The blossoms are beautiful—pure white or tinged with pink—and resemble large wild roses. Because they appear so late in the spring, they almost always escape the frost, guaranteeing a good crop of fruit year after year.

Fruiting: The fruit develops slowly over the summer, resembling a small, russet-coloured apple with an open bottom (historically referred to by rather ruder names by Shakespeare and Chaucer). The fruit is ready to harvest in late October or November, usually after the first hard frost has stripped the tree of its leaves, leaving the golden-brown fruit hanging ornamentally on the branches.

The Art of Bletting

This is where the Medlar is unique. You cannot eat the fruit straight from the tree; it is hard and astringent. The fruit must undergo a process called ‘bletting’.

Harvest the fruit when the stalk parts easily from the branch, then store them in a single layer in a cool, dark place (like a garage or shed) for two to three weeks. The flesh will turn brown and soft, almost like the consistency of apple butter or date paste. Only then are they sweet, aromatic, and ready to be eaten raw with cheese or made into a delicious, amber-hued jelly.

Ongoing Care

• Watering: Container-grown trees rely entirely on you for water. During the summer, water generously, ensuring the compost remains moist but not sodden. Rainwater is best if available.
• Feeding: In early spring (February/March), top-dress the pot with a slow-release general fertiliser to support the coming season’s growth.
• Pruning: Medlars require very little pruning. In winter, simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open framework. The tree naturally forms a contorted, weeping shape which is part of its charm.

By offering a Medlar tree a home in a sturdy planter, you are preserving a slice of British horticultural history while gaining a stunning, architectural feature that provides interest from the first spring blossom to the final winter harvest.