Clear stems and shrubs of photinia are ideal for cultivation in tubs. The growth characteristics are decisive for the choice of the right bucket. Well thought-out care supports the health of your plant.
The glossy medlar can also be kept in a bucket
Requirements for the bucket
High stems are grown by head grafting. They no longer grow in height, but show an increase in thickness. The crown grows expansively, causing the tree to develop a dense root system. The root system of the photinia is highly branched and spreads flat in the ground. This also applies to shrubby medlars, which grow both in height and in width.
Glossy medlars need a large planter with a round or square shape. The bucket must be larger than the root ball so that the root system can develop. The minimum dimension is 30 centimeters in height, width and length. A high-quality potting soil with permeable conditions is suitable as a substrate. Make sure that the soil is enriched with perlite, lava granules, (13.99€) sand or fine grit so that the water drains off better. You can prevent waterlogging by using a drainage system made of shards of pottery on the bottom of the pot.
maintenance
Glossy medlars do not tolerate waterlogging and must not dry out. Water the plants as soon as the soil in the bucket feels dry. Penetrating watering is not a problem if the excess water can run off. The photiniae also need water in winter. You should only water the plants on frost-free days.
Plant your medlar in a larger pot about every two to three years. The perfect time for repotting is spring, just before the growing season begins. Also fertilize the plant in the spring with a long-term fertilizer. This supplies the wood with nutrients throughout the summer, so that further fertilization is not required.
hibernate
The foliage of older plants survives the winter without protection. When the temperature is below zero, young plants must be covered with a garden fleece so that no light falls on the leaves. This measure protects against excessive water loss. Remove the fleece as soon as the temperatures are above zero. Photinus need light and air for healthy growth.
How to protect the root ball:
- place the bucket on a styrofoam plate (35.50€).
- Bubble wrap and fleece insulate the pot
- Distribute straw, leaves or hay on the ground