If the medlar sheds its red leaves, there is a deficiency or damage to the plant. The right care can help. Acute signs of damage must be treated with immediate measures.
It is not a good sign if the photinia loses red leaves
Photinus often lose leaves due to:
- missing fine roots
- drought stress
- root damage
Missing fine roots
Glossy medlars form a flat root system with numerous fibrous roots. These fine roots serve to absorb nutrients. If you have transplanted the shrub to a new location, fine roots can be damaged. Incorrect care measures mean that the medlar does not develop enough fibrous roots. It can no longer supply its leaves with sufficient nutrients.
Water the plant deeply and protect the foliage from excessive sun exposure with a garden fleece. Even in partially shaded locations, the fleece minimizes the evaporation of water. Fertilizing with algae extract supports root growth.
drought stress
This phenomenon occurs in the spring when permanent frosts in winter have cut off the water supply. Due to strong sunlight, the plant lost a lot of liquid during the cold season, which it could not absorb again in the frozen ground. The deficit leads to a stress response and the plant sheds its leaves. Drought stress also occurs in summer, when prolonged periods of heat minimize water reserves.
Water the shrub extensively before the onset of winter. A layer of insulation on the floor reduces the risk of the floor freezing completely. Protect the foliage with a garden fleece so that the sun does not shine directly on the leaves. Watering is necessary in summer when the top layer of soil has dried up. Give the medlar plenty of water.
root damage
Pests in the soil that feed on the fine roots impair the water and nutrient supply. Vine weevils are common pests on medlars. They lay their eggs on the ground near the trunk so that the larvae can crawl into the substrate. They feed on the fibrous roots and cause great damage. If conditions in the substrate are too wet, fungus can spread to the roots. They rot and can no longer supply the plant.
A special gel with nematodes, which you add to the irrigation water, helps against the larvae of the vine weevil. When choosing a location, make sure that the substrate is permeable to prevent infestation by fungal spores.