When a plant doesn't thrive properly, the problem often lies in the soil. If it doesn't meet their needs, the root system develops slowly and sparsely. As a result, the plant doesn't receive proper nutrients or, if the soil and Photinia don't match at all, it receives the wrong ones. The consequences are delayed growth, leaf discoloration, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Wrong soil for Photinia and Co. can, for example, be too heavy or too porous. The pH level may not be right, the soil may be too nutrient-rich or too barren. Excessive moisture can also make life difficult for plants like Photinia Devil’s Dream®.
However, what all soils have in common is that they are living ecosystems constantly in motion. This is ensured by microorganisms, worms, and other tiny organisms. They decompose organic material found on and in the soil. Dead leaves and organisms, kitchen and garden waste, and much more are converted by them into nutrients. These, in turn, are essential for plant life.
The right soil for Photinia hedges, bushes, and topiaries is loose, well-draining, tendentially alkaline, and humus-rich. Its high content of organic matter makes it nutrient-rich, and its loose structure ensures good water retention, preventing waterlogging while providing the plant with moisture in a well-dosed manner. In such soil, your Devil's Dream® can thrive optimally.
Photinias have shallow roots. Therefore, it's relatively easy to adjust individual spots in the garden that don't meet the plant's needs 100 percent. Dig a hole that is at least twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Mix a portion of the excavated soil generously with high-quality garden soil. There are also special shrub and hedge soils that are suitable as soil for Photinias. Adding drainage material ensures permeability in soils that are not as loose as desired. Gravel or sand are suitable for this purpose.
But beware: These tips are only suitable for locations that are either too sandy, less nutrient-rich than desired, or less permeable than Photinias prefer. If the soil is too heavy and clayey, simply exchanging and loosening the soil in the planting hole is not sufficient. Because the area below the prepared area remains too firm and impermeable, water can only drain slowly. This can lead to waterlogging, which damages the roots. Also, the plant may struggle to develop its root system beyond the planting hole, as it can hardly penetrate the dense soil around it. In such cases, significantly more soil must be removed, drainage must be installed, and the whole area must be filled with suitable soil.
Photinia Devil’s Dream® is an excellent container plant. Robust, low-maintenance, and tolerant of pruning, it adorns balconies, terraces, and more year-round with its red and later evergreen leaves. However, from the container, it cannot access the constantly replenishing nutrient resources of the soil and the layers beneath. As a Photinia owner, it is your responsibility to provide your plant with everything it needs to thrive. To do this, opt for high-quality potting soil. To increase its permeability, you can also mix in expanded clay, gravel, or sand. And don't forget to prepare the container before filling it: a layer of expanded clay at the bottom or pot shards over the drainage holes prevent rain and watering water from accumulating.
Choosing the right soil for your potted Photinia on your balcony or terrace is just the beginning of caring for it. As mentioned earlier, the plant cannot sustain itself through natural resources (soil and the like). To ensure that the nutrient content of the soil in the pot remains optimal, fertilization is necessary. Liquid fertilizer is well-suited for this purpose. It's best to "feed" your plants every two months, with the prime time being between May and August. In the months beyond that, the remaining nutrients in the soil will suffice for your Photinia Devil’s Dream®.
Even your free-growing Photinias appreciate a little nutrient boost once a year. Even if the soil for your Photinia is suitable. During their growth phase, they need a bit more "food" to fully realize their potential. Therefore, fertilize in the spring before your Photinia starts to shoot out. If you are unsure how much fertilizer your plants need at the location, opt for a slow-release product. From this, you can always draw exactly the amount they currently need.
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