Position-Full sun, semi-shade. Soil Type-Tolerant of most except boggy ground. Rate of Growth-Up to 1ft per year. Foliage-Deciduous (looses leaves in winter). Hardiness-Fully Hardy. Flowers-July. Eventual height-10ft in 10 years. Max 20ft if not pruned. Spread-Max 15ft at maturity. Flower Colour-Flowers inconsequential. Other features-Noted for its colourful fruit and seeds. Noted for its abundance of pinky scarlet lobed fruit which split to reveal bright orange seeds in the autumn. Autumn colour of the foliage is spectacular ranging from pink to scarlet. Particularly good on chalky soil.
Garden care-Planting-Dig a planting hole large enough and deep enough for the soil ball to be surrounded by a 7-10cm (3-4inch) layer of planting mixture. The hole should be deep enough to ensure the top of the soil ball will be 2.5-5cm (1-2inch) below the soil surface after planting. Always water the container before planting. Place 7-10cm (3-4inch) of planting mix in the bottom of the hole, put soil ball in the hole, fill space around it with planting mix. Never use ordinary soil. Firm mix down with hands, or firmly with feet, then water in well. Planting mix should be a combination of, 1 part top soil or John Innes No.3, 1 part moist peat and 3 handfuls of Bonemcal per barrow load. A good sturdy stake is a necessity for the first year or two, until the tree has formed a good root system. You may be able to put the stake in upright with some trees, but usually with container trees a stake in the ground at a 50 degree angle to the tree, pointing roughly into the prevailing wind is best. The use of a proper tree tie is essential. When planting near other trees or buildings, consider the mature height of the tree. If the height is 4m then that is how far apart you plant the trees.
Aftercare-In the spring, place a mulch of rotted manure, garden compost, bark, peat or black polythene around the tree extending 45cm (18inch) around the stem. This keeps the weeds down which is essential to the health of the tree. Its a good idea to carry on mulching every spring through the trees life as well as feeding with Growmore fertiliser. Fruit trees are unfortunately targets for many soil and airborne pests and diseases, so the spraying of chemicals is often a necessity, winter washes in October and again in February-March are very important. Sprays of fungicides and insecticides in summer months to control mildew and insect problems are an option to maintain the best health of your tree. No pruning necessary unless it is to remove damaged or dead branches. Always paint wounds with Arbrex Seal and Heal.
Product Code:PLAEUONYMUSEUROPACUS