Although photinia can be trained as a small tree, it is most often grown as a shrub or hedge. It is known for reddish-bronze new foliage and tiny, fragrant flowers.
Photograph by Shari Kaplan
Rare Japanese maples to be available at local sale
By Tony Tomeo
Those who read this column regularly may be aware that most of my favorite trees are North American maples. I do not discuss Japanese maples much, because they compare to North American maples like Lexus compares to Buick. Everyone knows Buick is the greatest!
However, I realize that just as there are many who prefer mundane little cars, many garden enthusiasts prefer esoteric (but not mundane) small maples. Japanese maples are actually much more proportionate to smaller gardens, where several may be enjoyed within an area that could be occupied by a single North American maple.
Several of the cultivars of Japanese maples that are more complaisant to endemic climate and soil conditions are commonly available at local nurseries and garden centers. However, many of the rare cultivars can only be obtained from other Japanese maple enthusiasts, collectors or specialized nurseries.
The more ardent of collectors pursuing the rarest of cultivars may be interested in attending a maple sale from the private collection of Chi Yuan on May 11, 3-6 p.m., at his home in Saratoga. Most of the trees will be in five- or 15-gallon cans. A guide to cultural requirements of Japanese maples will be available.
Some of the most unusual cultivars available at the sale are "Hanami nishiki," a dwarf tree with the smallest leaves of all maples; "Naruto kaede," exhibiting curled and folded leaves with only three lobes; and "Maiku jaku" (dancing peacock), distinguished by large, deeply cut leaves with brilliant autumn color. A few plumeria seedlings of unknown colors will also be available at the sale.
Because this is a specialized maple sale for serious collectors, those interested should contact Yuan by e-mail at yuansplant@yahoo.com or by telephone at 408.867.6860. Early admission cannot be accommodated.
Knocking off aphids
If aphids appear on new foliar growth in the garden, they may be knocked off their hosts by water sprayed from the hose. They may return, but will never become established if sprayed periodically.
Because roses are susceptible to fungal diseases that thrive in humid conditions, they should not be sprayed with water unnecessarily. Aphids on roses may be killed if sprayed with a mild solution of soapy water comparable to that used to wash dishes. The soap and dead aphids may be rinsed off later if preferred. If this procedure is done in the morning on a warm, dry day, foliage dries before moisture becomes a problem. Because the aphids are killed, their population does not recover as quickly. Regular spraying with water is consequently not as necessary.
Hedge of the Week: Photinia
There are few species that I recommend for use as formally sheared hedges. In fact, there are very few species I would recommend shearing at all. However, the photinia, or Fraser's photinia, Photinia fraseri, exhibits unusually reddish-bronze colored foliage in spring and early summer if sheared prior to emergence of new growth. (I learned this species as Photinia X fraseri. The "X" indicates it is a hybrid of two species of Photinia.)
Even without shearing, new foliage is impressive, but may be subdued by older foliage that is visible through less abundant and possibly less vigorous new growth. Specimens that are not sheared produce profuse, flat-topped clusters of very small flowers, but no fruit. Bees and most garden enthusiasts appreciate the fragrance, but some do not. Although the evergreen foliage emerges bright bronzy red, it matures to glossy dark green with lighter green undersides. Individual leaves are about two to four inches long, with finely serrated edges.
Photinia may grow quickly to 15 feet tall and wide, but is usually slower and shorter. It may be sheared or otherwise grown as large-scale shrubbery, or as single- or multiple-trunked trees. If training on a stake as a single-trunked tree, protection from sun scald may be necessary. Multiple trunked trees rarely experience scald because they are permitted to mature as large shrubbery prior to the removal of lower growth to expose trunks.
The main problem associated with photinia is the unpredictably variable life span of each specimen. Even the most impeccably maintained hedge may begin to lose individual plants after about 10 years, but some may last 50 years. Declining health is more rapid in dense soil if irrigation is too frequent.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
Cupertino, California Since 1947
