Glossy medlars have become an integral part of many gardens. The 'Red Robin' variety is particularly popular because of its properties, but there are numerous varieties with individual advantages and a wide range of uses.
The medlar forms a beautiful hedge
The genus
The photinas are a genus with the Latin name Photinia. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "photeinos", which indicates the glossy leaves. They belong to the rose family and contain around 66 species whose original distribution area is in Asia and North America. Here they grow in the warm parts of the mountainous regions. Most species within the genus are evergreen shrubs that retain their leaves through winter. With the beginning of the new growth period in spring, the species produce fresh leaves.
Glossy medlars are closely related to hawthorn, firethorn and cotoneasters. A family relationship exists to the apple trees. All species have in common that they form pome fruits. The fruits of the medlar are reminiscent of miniature apple shapes. They consist of the fleshy thickened flower axis, which grows together with the carpels. The fruits turn red or blue when they ripen and remain on the bush until winter.
cultivated forms
One of the evergreen shrubs is the red-leaved medlar (Photinia × fraseri), which is also known as Fraser's medlar. This photinia is the result of crossing the Japanese photinia (Photinia glabra) and the saw-leaved photinia (Photinia serratifolia). The history of this strain dates back to 1943 when it was discovered in an American nursery in Alabama and spread around the world. Since then, various strains have been bred from this hybrid.
Varieties of the red-leaved medlar:
- Popular Varieties: 'Red Robin' and 'Little Red Robin'
- Frost-tolerant varieties: 'Camilvy' and 'Robusta Compacta'
- Features: 'Indian Princess', 'Birmingham', 'Pink Marble' and 'Curly Fantasy'
Popular Varieties
The 'Red Robin' variety is a popular ornamental shrub, colloquially known as medlar. While this variety can reach heights of up to two meters, 'Little Red Robin' forms shorter shrubs. The species grows 120 centimeters high and 120 centimeters wide. It is characterized by a good cutting tolerance and is suitable for planting in tubs. Two plants per meter are enough to create a dense hedge.
Frost-tolerant varieties
The 'Camilvy' variety is an improved cultivar, the leaves of which are more intensely red in color than the fresh leaves of 'Red Robin'. The growth of this variety is strong and well branched. The branches grow loosely and broadly bushy. Their growth per year is 50 centimeters. It reaches heights of growth of up to 300 centimeters and is frost hardy down to a temperature of -23 degrees Celsius. It drives out again after the winter. Long-lasting sub-zero temperatures over several months can damage the plant.
The cultivar 'Robusta Compacta' is a small form that is very hardy. It grows to a height of between 120 and 180 meters and can grow to a height of over two meters in good site conditions. It forms finer leaves than 'Red Robin' and has a lower annual growth rate compared to this popular variety. Their compact habit makes them ideal trees for planting in containers that decorate terraces and balconies.
particularities
The compact varieties include 'Indian Princess'. 'Birmingham' develops rough leaves that are leathery to the touch. 'Pink Marble' is suitable as a solitary tree because it develops three-colored foliage with pink, white and green nuances. The growth form of the leaves of 'Curly Fantasy' is striking. They are developed wavy and coarsely toothed on the edge.
use
The leaves that sprout fresh in spring are colored dark red and form an aesthetic contrast to the shiny dark green leaves of previous years. The leaves retain their bright red color for up to four months before turning green. Photinia can be planted alone or combined with other shrubs such as cherry laurel, jasmine or forsythia. Cultivation as a container plant is possible.
Many varieties have a high growth rate, which is why they are well suited for hedge design. After two to three years, 'Red Robin' forms a compact hedge with opaque branches. Regular pruning can encourage branch formation. The evergreen branches are a popular Christmas decoration for wreaths and bouquets.
Expectations
The evergreen species prefer a semi-shady location. Although they thrive in sunny spots, direct sunlight often causes leaf damage. Evaporation increases, which leads to a higher demand for water. A lack of water results in drought stress, which manifests itself in the form of brown leaves. A wind-protected location is important for the evergreen plants, as dry and hot summer winds can also lead to increased water loss.
The shrubs like a permeable substrate because they are sensitive to waterlogging. The soil should be moderately dry and rich in nutrients. The pH value plays a subordinate role, because the medlars are adaptable.
Prefer deciduous shrubs:
- a permeable substrate
- nutritious soil
- a sunny to partially shaded location