Skip to content

Galway Independent

Home arrow Sections arrow Living arrow No hair - just a red head
No hair - just a red head E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Wednesday, 08 August 2007
What is it about red heads that attract such ridicule? When I was in secondary school, my fellow students with red hair were the butt of many jokes and lots of name-calling, everything from the classic 'Carrot-top' to the bang up to date 'Duracell'. Now we gardeners on the other hand are a much more civilised bunch, we would never hold a prejudice due to a plant having a red head.

This is highlighted by the amazing amounts of the red headed shrub Photinia x fraseri that have been planted throughout Ireland over the past few years. Commonly called red robin, red tip or Fraser's Photinia, the striking red coloration of the new foliage is this plants claim to fame and main selling point.

However, this distinctive foliage mellows with age passing through shades of reddish-copper eventually maturing to glossy dark green finely serrated leaves. A yearly clipping and feeding is required if you wish Photinia to regularly produce its fresh red halo instead of reverting to plain green foliage.

Aside from the wonderful leaf colour, clusters of small, white flowers are produced from May until June, but somehow they do not have half the charm of the plants red tips. A large healthy specimen of Photinia x fraseri in springtime when tipped in red is as impressive as many other shrubs in full bloom and the colour lasts longer. Even before the leaves unfurl, the preceding red buds are undeniably eye catching.

The most common way I have used Photinia is planted within a mixed shrub border, the plants red tips adding considerable interest against other plants contrasting green foliage. It is an ideal focal point planting if used in this way, attracting attention almost year round. Position some yellow leaved plants nearby and you will increase the contrast effect, Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl' goes especially well with Photinia.

I have also called upon the Photinia to act as a fabulous informal hedge bordering calm sunny sites. But, by far the most unusual way I have seen Photinia x fraseri grown is as a small tree. Individual shrubs can be trained into small trees by pruning lower branches over successive years, culminating in a garden feature that draws plenty of glances and queries.

An extremely vigorous shrub Photinia x fraseri grows in almost any adequately drained soil; just ensure you avoid constantly damp soggy spots. It prefers shelter from wind and is not tolerant of salty coastal air; both of these factors tend to brown the lush red new growth. A location in sun to partial shade is ideal.

There are two varieties of Photinia freely available; Photinia x fraserii 'Red Robin' is the older and larger of the two. It will eventually stand three metres tall (9-10ft) with a similar spread. Photinia x fraserii 'Camilvy' grows slightly smaller and more manageable at two metres tall (6 ft), again with a similar spread.

So until next week happy gardening, and remember that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place.

As well as his horticultural writing, James Kilkelly provides a garden and landscape design service based in County Galway. Contact him through his website www.gardenplansireland.com or by phone on 087-2067846. For free access to an incredible wealth of gardening information visit his gardening forum www.irishgardeners.com.

 


Comments (0) »		 feed
Show/Hide comment formtoggle


Write the displayed characters


busy
 
User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]


Custom Search
Visit our Games and puzzles section
How will you vote in Lisbon 2?
 
Find your ideal job in Galway using our Galway Jobs listings.