Weather you want a feature tree, privacy screen, windbreak or a great hedge then Photinia is for you. Due to its rapid growth rate, hardy nature and its ability to survive harsh environments Photinia has had a come back and is now one of the top 5 hedging Plants in Auckland. Its dark green foliage is adorned with white flowers through spring and its new growth of red provides interest to any garden.
Planting Calendar
Photinia can be planted throughout the year but does best when planted in Spring and Autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Position
Photinia is pretty hardy and will tolerate open position in full sun to partial shade.
Soil
When planted into the ground Photinia likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and a healthy immune system. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect against sucking and chewing insect by spraying with Groventive Systemic Insecticide. Or for an organic options spray with Bugtrol.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Pruning
Photinia is fast growing and will require regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Prune after each flush of new growth. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
Regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Prune after each flush of new growth. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves