Content
- The medlar - Popular shrub for hedges
- The genus
- cultivated forms
- Popular varieties
- Frost-tolerant varieties
- particularities
- use
- claims
The gloss medlar forms a beautiful hedge
The medlar - Popular shrub for hedges
Brilliant medlars are an indispensable part of many gardens. The variety Red Robin is very popular because of its characteristics, but there are numerous varieties with individual advantages and many uses.
The genus
The glossy medlars represent a genus with the Latin name Photinia dar. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "photeinos", which points to the shiny leaves. They belong to the family of rose plants and contain about 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 in winter. With the beginning of the new growth period in spring, the species form fresh leaves.
Brambles are closely related to hawthorn, firethorn or dwarf medlars. A family relationship exists to the apple trees. All species have in common that they train core fruits. The fruits of the gloss medlar remind of miniature forms of apples. They consist of the fleshy thickened flower axis, which grows together with the carpels. The fruits turn red or blue to fruit ripeness and remain on the bush until winter.
cultivated forms
Among the evergreen shrubs is the red-leaved loquat (Photinia × fraseri), which is also known as Fraser's loquat. This glossy medlar is the result of a crossover of the Japanese glossy medlar (Photinia glabra) and the succulent glossy medlar (Photinia serratifolia). The history of this breeding dates back to 1943, when it was discovered in an American nursery in Alabama and spread throughout the world. Since then, different varieties have been bred from this hybrid.
Varieties of the red-leaved loquat:
Popular varieties
The variety, Red Robin 'is a popular ornamental shrub, which is colloquially known under the name Glanzmispel. While this variety reaches heights of growth up to two meters, 'Little Red Robin' forms lower shrubs. The variety grows 120 centimeters high and 120 centimeters wide. It is characterized by a good cut tolerance and is suitable for the planting of tubs. Two plants per meter are enough to create a dense hedge.
Frost-tolerant varieties
The variety 'Camilvy' is an improved cultivated form whose leaves are colored more intense red than the fresh leaves of 'Red Robin'. The growth of this variety is strong and well branched. The branches grow loose and broad-bushed. Their growth per year is 50 centimeters. It reaches stature heights of up to 300 centimeters and is frost hardy up to a temperature of -23 degrees Celsius. She drives out again after the winter. Especially long-lasting minus temperatures over several months can cause damage to the plant.
The variety 'Robusta Compacta' is a short-grown form that is good for winter hardy. It reaches stature heights between 120 and 180 meters and can be up to two meters high in good site conditions. It forms finer leaves than 'Red Robin' and has a smaller annual growth compared to this popular strain. Their compact habit makes them ideal for planting pots that decorate terraces and balconies.
particularities
One of the compact varieties is 'Indian Princess'. 'Birmingham' trains hardy leaves that touch leather. As a solitary shrub suitable, Pink Marble ', because it develops tricolor foliage with pink, white and green shades. Striking is the growth habit of the leaves of 'Curly Fantasy'. They are wavy and serrated on the edge.
use
The freshly growing leaves in spring are dark red in color and form an aesthetic contrast to the dark green glossy leaves of previous years. The leaves retain their bright red color for up to four months before turning green. Glossy medlars can be planted individually 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 makes them ideal for hedging. After two to three years, Red Robin forms a compact hedge with opaque branches. You can promote branching through a regular cut. The evergreen branches are a popular Christmas decoration for wreaths and bouquets.
claims
The evergreen species prefer a partially shaded location. Although they thrive in sunny places, direct sunlight often causes leaf damage. The evaporation increases, which leads to a higher water requirement. A lack of water results in drought stress that is extreme in the form of brown leaves. Important for the evergreen plants is a wind-protected location, as even dry and hot summer winds can lead to increased water loss.
The shrubs like a well-drained substrate because they are sensitive to waterlogging. The soil should be moderately dry and nutrient-rich. The pH value plays a subordinate role, because the Glanzmispeln are adaptable.
Summergreen bushes prefer: