Photinia x fraseri 'Mandarino' CARRÉ ROUGE

Fraser’s photinia is a popular shrub in countries and regions with milder winters. It is a hybrid between photinia glabra and photinia serratifolia. Red Robin was the first variety that came from this crossing, and after it proved huge commercial success, new selections have been introduced. Most often you come across photinia hedges or specimen shrubs, however, tree forms are becoming more and more popular. They are renowned for red new leaves and offer good screening at a desirable height blocking views from neighbouring windows if privacy is why you look for an evergreen tree.

Carré Rouge is a selection of Fraser's photinia from Red Robin variety. It is commonly believed to have originated in French Nantes, however, the truth is that the first plants were found in a Tuscan nursery in Pistoia, Italy, and named Mandarino. It produces smaller leaves of intensely red colour when young, maturing to deep green, yet keeping the top leaves crimson or wine red. New leaves with red colour emerge at least twice a year: in early spring and in late summer, and you can bring the second phase forward by pruning the shrub in early summer just as the new leaves turn green. Young twigs are rich red.

It has a neat, upright habit, growing quite fast, and forming very bushy and dense crowns. As every standard tree it needs a good support to protect the stem from moving, especially in wind. It can be removed after 3 years if the tree is well established. There is usually a bamboo stick attached to the tree stem when you buy the plant. It needs to be removed before you tie the stem into your new support.

It is quite hardy yet we recommend finding it a place sheltered from strong, drying winds in winters of zone 6. It can be pruned from early spring until midsummer. It needs moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil and mulching. Acid soil will provide richer foliage colour but for healthy growth it is not essential. Provide extra watering in hot summers and mainly in frost-free periods of winter if the ground is not frozen. Hardy to about -24°C.

Last update 26-02-2020