Overwintering guide
How to overwinter royal medlar
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills royal medlar in winter
Cutting royal medlar hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More royal medlar care
Overwintering royal medlar — FAQ
Does royal medlar need to come indoors for winter?
Royal medlar is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Royal medlar is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move royal medlar for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water royal medlar in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills royal medlar over winter?
Cutting royal medlar hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.