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Please tell me about suckers

ShepherdsBarnShepherdsBarn Posts: 401
in Plants
We have a medlar tree which constantly sends out suckers - often several feet away from the tree, as well as all around the base. I know nothing about suckers except that I understand they should be cut out? A few years ago we dug up about 4 suckers that were very close together - they looked so healthy that we replanted them (seems such a shame to cut out and throw away such healthy looking plants). We now have a tree/bush about 8'+ high. It is/was a lovely shape and last year we had a few flowers on it which I had hoped would produce quince (it didn't). I am guessing the medlar is on a quince rootstock as the leaves look nothing like the parent medlar but exactly like our quince tree (which also sends out loads of suckers!). This year the 8' bush started off looking very healthy and a lovely shape but now most of the leaves have turned brown and fallen off - there are new leaves growing, though. We are considering cutting it down.
I'd like to learn more about suckers ... what can/should be done with them and can they ever develop fruit. Are there any success stories?
Any advice welcome.

Posts

  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    Many trees and plants such as roses are grafted onto rootstocks which control the growth of the variety which is wanted. The rootstock might produce fruit but it will rarely be edible as it will be nearer a wild type. Growth from the rootstock might occur from the remaining stem (roses for example) or from the roots which is why the suckers are so far from the trunk. Letting the rootstock grow can hinder the growth of the main plant. It is better to remove them when young or the suckers may take over. Saying that, my neighbour had Victoria plum trees and let the rootstock take over. Over many years they took over and eventually bore some fruit but it was small, cherry sized fruits with little flesh which was very bitter. If you look at neglected roses, you can often see wild rose flowers which have grown from suckers.
  • micearguersmicearguers Posts: 646
    One is born every minute!
  • ShepherdsBarnShepherdsBarn Posts: 401
    🙃
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    I think you will only have success if it's a plant on it's own roots.  Many trees replicate by suckers.. such as aspens, choke cherries, box elder, etc (to name a few in my neighborhood).  Not sure what it is about rootstock that makes it sucker so much.  My dwarf apple constantly suckers, where a different apple in my garden on it's own roots does not.  
    Utah, USA.
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