The evergreen medlars (Eriobotrya) - despite the similar name, they are not native medlars - belong to the pome fruit family. In fact, the yellow fruits, which are quite similar to an apple, are very tasty. The trees, originally native to Japan and China, are only partially hardy here.
The loquat is not hardy and must be protected over the winter
Loquat not hardy
Basically, loquat should not be planted out if possible, but instead cultivated in tubs. Although the plants tolerate slightly below zero for a short time, they will not survive a severe winter outdoors.
Overwinter the loquat in the pot
There are two ways to overwinter loquat in a pot:
1. Protected outdoors
the pots can remain standing, provided that the pot with the root ball and the trunk are wrapped with a thermal insulation fleece, for example. The pot itself is placed on a thick piece of insulating styrofoam and in a protected corner, if possible against a heat-radiating house wall.
2. Under cold house conditions indoors/greenhouse
the loquat overwinters at a maximum of 10 °C in a bright but not directly sunny location.
tips
Don't forget to water the loquat even in winter!