Coppertone Loquat

Eriobotrya ‘Coppertone’ (Coppertone Loquat) is an attractive evergreen shrub that has copper-colored foliage for most of the year. It has a compact growth habit and thus makes an ideal specimen or patio shade tree. Eriobotrya Coppertone can be grown nicely on an espalier when placed against a sunny wall and it can make a good “screen” due to its dense canopy. It blends nicely into informal shrubbery borders as well. The loquat fruits are edible and attractive to wildlife.Eriobotrya Coppertone provides the best fruit and form when it’s grown in full sun. Most loquats can tolerate partial shade and a variety of well-drained soils. It also grows well meaning it still maintains characteristic dark green foliage in soils with a high pH. Clay soil is acceptable as long as there is sufficient slope to allow surface water to run away from the root system. Eriobotrya Coppertone should be well-watered until it is established and then it will survive occasional drought conditions. Eriobotrya Coppertone sounds and looks a lot like another Everde Growers favorite. It is a cross of photinia and the Majestic Hawthorne. The growth rate is moderate presenting a dense rounded canopy with large leathery oblong leaves that are dark green above and rust colored below. Even nicer…..fragrant pink flowers appear in the fall and apricot colored fruits in winter.