Hedge Devils Dream in the garden

Hedge element with photinia: Designing a colorful hedge

Planting a Photinia hedge is always a great idea, not only because this evergreen plant provides year-round privacy but also because of its striking color play. With its bright red and later rich green, glossy leaves, it enhances the design of gardens and terraces in a unique way. This applies even when Photinia is used as a hedge element, as part of a mixed hedge made of evergreen plants. Its fiery red new shoots create striking effects that act as eye-catchers amidst the green tones of the shrubs it is combined with. However, to ensure the success of such a hedge, a few things need to be considered.

Mixed hedge with evergreen plants: Key points for selection

When using Photinia as a hedge element, ensure that it is paired only with shrubs that have similar requirements for location, soil quality, and nutrient needs. Growth rates should also be relatively similar. Photinia Devil’s Dream® grows up to 30 centimeters per year. Companion plants should have comparable growth rates to ensure the hedge closes evenly without gaps. Photinia also requires annual pruning to fully develop its red foliage. Therefore, other hedge elements should also be tolerant of pruning and vigorous growers. Suitable companions include privet, yew, or Portuguese laurel. Thuja or false cypress, however, are not good partners as they have different requirements, are often less tolerant of pruning, and do not match the growth habit of Photinia.

Creating Effects: Balancing Colors and Shapes

When combining elements, it is crucial to visualize the desired effects beforehand. Yew adds additional texture to the hedge with its dark green needle structure. Portuguese laurel, although similar in leaf structure to Photinia, stands out with its narrower, slightly wavy, serrated edges. Its often dark red leaf stems echo the fiery red new growth of Photinia Devil’s Dream®.

Devils Dream hohe Hecke mit roten Blättern

De Juiste Standplaats Kiezen

Het beste moment om uw project "gemengde haag met groenblijvende planten" te starten is in de herfst of lente, zodat de struiken voldoende tijd hebben om zich aan te passen en goed te wortelen. Kies een beschutte, zonnige tot halfschaduwrijke locatie. Als de haag uiteindelijk als windbescherming moet dienen, hebben de jonge planten in de eerste jaren bescherming nodig, totdat ze groot genoeg zijn om zelfstandig wind te weerstaan. Rietmatten of speciale windschermen zijn hiervoor geschikt. Een vliesdeken biedt niet alleen bescherming tegen wind, maar ook tegen strenge vorst.

Photinia as a Hedge Element: Natural Grouping for a Harmonious Look

Group elements so that at least three plants of the same type are placed together. This creates sections that result in a harmonious overall appearance. Such patterns mimic those found in nature, making the hedge look more natural. Leaf colors, textures, and even flowers are also better highlighted in this arrangement. The red leaves of Photinia Devil’s Dream® are particularly striking when grouped in this way.

For a pure Photinia hedge, plan a spacing of 20 centimeters between individual plants. If Photinia is used as a hedge element alongside other plants, larger spacing is needed to give each shrub enough room to develop individually. Allow about 40 centimeters between plants.

Proper Care and Protection for Young Mixed Hedges

Ensure that Photinia Devil’s Dream® and its companions are watered regularly after planting to support the development of young plants. Later, once all shrubs are well-established, they will require less water. Young plants also need light winter protection. Distributing some brushwood or leaves around the root area can help them withstand frosty nights without damage.

Devils Dream Hedge in the Front Garden

Privacy screen in the garden: Glanzmispel Devil's Dream® for the garden and terrace

Devils Dream Stämmchen mit Blüte und roten Blättern in einem Kübel

Japanese Firethorn - Characteristics and Design Ideas

Devils Dream Hedge Plant Trimming

Pruning a hedge: Using the example of a medlar