A perfect alternative to conventional hedge planting is the use of medlar. The evergreen Photinia looks much more impressive as a hedge.
The photinia, whose botanical name is photinia and is translated from the Greek as glossy, belongs to the rose family and the pome fruit plant genus. The evergreen shrub is often planted alone in the ornamental garden because its glossy leaves are an eye-catcher in the garden all year round. Depending on the variety, even red or multicolored leaves are possible. So it is not surprising that the shrub is also being used more and more as a hedge.
Cotoneaster as a hedge - why?
If you have decided to plant the evergreen hedge plant in your garden, you will have a lot of fun, because the medlar rarely loses its leaves - so you don't have to rake the leaves. In addition to the leaves, it is also the fruits, reminiscent of miniature apples, that contribute to the beauty of a medlar hedge. In red or blue, they will delight garden owners well into winter.
Planting a photinia hedge - this is how it's done
- Choose a sunny, partially shaded spot.
- The substrate should be rich in nutrients, well drained and rich in humus.
- Keep the soil moderately moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Dig the planting holes twice the width of the root ball.
- The planting distance between the individual hedge plants must not be less than 50 cm.
- Finally water the hedge well.
- The best time to plant the new hedge is spring or autumn.
» A little tip: The photinia can also be used together with other shrubs, such as cherry laurel, forsythia or chanterelle tree - as a mixed hedge.
Questions and answers about the photinia
Whether as a hedge or as an individual, the photinia is becoming more and more popular, but it also raises a few questions for many readers of gartentipps.com - so here is a brief overview of the most important things.
- Is the photinia evergreen?
Yes, the photinia is an evergreen shrub, whether as a solitaryor hedge planted.
- Is the photinia poisonous?
The shrub is not poisonous, but the fruits of the medlar are. Depending on the variety, and above all between humans and animals, a distinction must be made here. The fruits can cause symptoms of poisoning in horses, the fruits are largely harmless to humans, but they should not be eaten.
- Why does the medlar lose its red leaves?
❏ If, for example, the fine roots are damaged, the medlar can no longer absorb enough nutrients. Damage to the fine fibrous roots is common when transplanted improperly.
❏ Another reason can be drought, which occurs both in summer and after a frosty winter. The expert speaks here of drought stress, which the medlar "accepts" by shedding the red leaves.
Read our article "Caring for photiniae properly".
- Why does the photiniae get brown leaves?
Brown spots or completely brown leaves on the Photinia usually indicate a pest infestation by aphids or the vine weevil. Fungal diseases can also be responsible for the discoloration. If only individual branches / areas are affected, you can simply cut them off and dispose of them in the household waste - not on the compost!
- How big or wide is the photinia?
It depends on the variety. The average height is between 300 and 500 cm. The growth width rarely exceeds 350 cm.
- When do you have to cut the photinia?
Prune your medlar hedge after flowering. Depending on the variety, this can be as early as July, but in most cases autumn is the ideal time for a topiary.
- Which fertilizer do I use for the medlar?
The medlar does not necessarily have to be fertilized. If you find that your hedge is weakening, use regular liquid fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spring is the best time to fertilize.
- Is the photinia hardy?
Most glossed medlar varieties are conditionally hardy. This means that they survive light frosts without any problems. However, the location should be protected and protected from the wind as a precaution.
Pink medlar - the 3 most popular varieties
As already mentioned several times, the Photinia is available in many different varieties. Your requirements, location requirements and personal preferences decide which photiniae will move into your gardenor should grow into a beautiful hedge in the future.
❍ Red medlar 'Red Robin':
| Red photinia 'Red Robin' (Photinia fraseri) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 20 - 50 cm a year |
| Growth: | 150 - 300 cm |
| Growth: | 120 - 200 cm |
| Flower color: | white |
| Flowering: | May - June |
| Location: | sun to shade |
| Floor: | deep, humic, loamy, lime-free, warm |
❍ Scarlet medlar:
| Scarlet photinia (Photinia villosa) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 25 - 30 cm a year |
| Growth: | 300 - 500 cm |
| Growth: | 250 - 350 cm |
| Flower color: | white |
| Flowering: | End of May - June |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal, permeable |
❍ Sparkleaf:
| Sparkle Leaf (Photinia davidiana) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 30 - 50 cm a year |
| Growth: | 200 - 300 cm |
| Growth: | 100 - 200 cm |
| Flower color: | white |
| Flowering: | June |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal |