Photinia arguta
| Photinia arguta | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 13' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Photinia arguta
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Stored seed will probably require stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible[1]. Germination is usually good[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Basal cuttings in a frame[2]. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[3][1]. They take about 2 months to root and should be overwintered in a greenhouse, planting out in late spring[1]. Fair to good percentage[1].
Cuttings of almost ripe side shoots, 7 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a cold frame[1]. Lift the following autumn and plant in their permanent positions[1].
Layering in autumn. Partially sever the layer about 12 months later and lift in the following spring. High percentage[2].
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a well-drained fertile soil in a sheltered position in sun or light shade[4][2]. Prefers a warm soil that is not too heavy or close[3]. Tolerates calcareous soils[3][2]. Dislikes windy sites[3].
Plants are susceptible to fireblight[2].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[2].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas, found at elevations of 900 - 1,500 metres in the Khasia Hills.
Habitat: Mountain thickets, gullies, near watercourses at elevations of 300 - 2000 metres in Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces, China[5].
Edibility: Fruit - raw. Used in desserts[6].
Usage: The wood is hard and heavy, suitable for making furniture and other small articles[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.