Loquat 'Bradenton': The Subtropical Fruit Tree for Warm Gardens

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• Family:	Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Eriobotrya (er-ee-oh-BOT-ree-uh) (Info)
  Species:	japonica (juh-PON-ih-kuh) (Info)
  Cultivar:	Bradenton

Overview

The Loquat 'Bradenton' (Eriobotrya japonica 'Bradenton') is a selected cultivar of the Japanese Plum or Loquat, prized for its **large, sweet, high-quality fruit and reliable production in warm subtropical climates**. Native to China, the loquat is unique among fruit trees for **flowering in autumn/winter and ripening in early spring**—providing the first fresh tree fruit of the year.

Tree & Foliage

A small, broadleaf evergreen tree, 15–25 feet tall with a rounded, dense canopy. Leaves are **large (8–12 inches), leathery, deeply veined, dark green above, and rusty-woolly beneath**—highly ornamental year-round. New growth is conspicuously woolly.

Flowers & Fruit

Fragrant, creamy-white, 5-petaled flowers appear in **dense panicles in late autumn to winter (Nov–Jan)**. The fruit ripens **March–May**: 'Bradenton' produces **large (1.5–2 inches), oval to pyriform, yellow-orange fruit with sweet, mild, low-acid, melting flesh** and 1–3 large brown seeds. It is considered one of the best-flavored cultivars. Self-fertile but yields improve with cross-pollination.

Culture & Hardiness

**USDA Zones 8b–10** (fruit buds damaged below 27°F / -3°C; mature tree hardy to ~15°F). Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil; moderate water. Low chill requirement. Pests: fire blight (susceptible), Caribbean fruit fly, scale. 'Bradenton' is a top choice for home growers in Florida, Gulf Coast, California, and similar climates seeking a beautiful, productive, early-season fruit tree.