Loquats are beautiful plants and look good as ornamental trees, as well as supplying you with delicious fruits.
I live in in climate similar to yours and I too, have a young Loquat tree, which was given to me just under a year ago, by a friend.
Initially, like you I had no idea how to care for it and this is what I have found out so far.
There are many varieties of Loquats, all having slightly different needs, I have no idea what variety mine is, nor does the person who gave it to me, so have followed the basic guidelines, which so far have worked.
Most varieties are evergreen or at least semi-evergreen, they will grow in any soil so long as it is extremely well drained.
They require full sun and a sheltered spot, as wind both hot and cold can scorch the leaves, which does no harm as the leaves grow back quickly, just makes them look unsightly for a while, which I found out, when mine was attacked by a whirlwind this summer.
Watering - water frequently in the first year of planting, but once the tree is 3 to 4 years old, only water during fruit development and prolonged dry spells.
Fertilize every Spring with a good all round fertilizer.
Pruning - these trees can grow up to 25ft tall, therefore if growing for fruit needs to be kept to a height, that makes it easy to collect the fruit, say around 6 to 10 ft tall and the branches need to be pruned once a year, so that they are no longer than 3 ft in length.
Pests - more likely in humid conditions and if planted in an area with grass or weeds around the trunk.
Loquat trees attract bees and birds and you may well find, that you have to bag the fruit clusters, in order to protect them from the birds.
Hope this helps and if you find any further tips, would love to hear them.
