Alpine medlar Plant Care

Alpine medlar (Chamaemespilus alpina) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Chamaemespilus genus. Alpine medlar is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, from the Pyrenees east through the Alps to the Carpathians and the Balkans, growing at elevations of up to 2500 m. Alpine medlar is also known as Dwarf medlar.

Alpine medlar displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alpine medlar produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alpine medlar every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alpine medlar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chamaemespilus alpina tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Alpine medlar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Alpine medlar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alpine medlar every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alpine medlar is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alpine medlar can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alpine medlar while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alpine medlar is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alpine medlar can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alpine medlar is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alpine medlar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alpine medlar is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, from the Pyrenees east through the Alps to the Carpathians and the Balkans, growing at elevations of up to 2500 m. In cooler regions, grow Alpine medlar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.