Osteomeles schwerinae

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Osteomeles schwerinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

By streams and in hot dry river valleys, 350 - 2000 metres. Among shrubs, slopes, fields, roadsides and mixed forests at elevations of 1500 - 3000 metres.

E. Asia - W. China in Yunnan and W. Sichuan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. The white fruit has a sweet flavour. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds a sheltered position in full sun in any fertile well-drained soil. Plants usually require protection outside the mildest areas of Britain, they are hardy to about -5°c, though the sub-species O. schwerinii microphylla. Rehder.&Wils. is hardier, to about -10°c. This sub-species is often mistakenly sold under the name O. subrotunda. They can be grown on a sunny wall. Seed is seldom set in Britain.

Propagating it: The seed requires a period of cold stratification and can be sown in late autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a greenhouse. Fair to good percentage. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. anthyllidifolia. non Lindl.