The loquat 'Red Robin' impresses with its bright red leaf shoots. If the plant suddenly loses its leaves, there could be various reasons. A suitable location and proper care prevents leaf loss.
Why does the loquat 'Red Robin' lose its leaves?
The loquat 'Red Robin' loses its leaves due to drought, waterlogging or permanent frost. Regular watering, a well-drained substrate and a partially shaded location help to avoid leaf loss.
These factors lead to leaf loss:
- drought
- Waterlogging
- permanent frost
drought
'Red Robin', like other varieties of red-leaved loquat, is sensitive to drought. Moisture in the soil is important so that plants can compensate for water loss. If they don't get water for a long period of time in the summer months, they will shed their leaves. The shrubs conserve energy to survive the suboptimal conditions.
By watering regularly you support the vitality of the plant. Watering occurs when the top layer of soil has dried. In hot months, water thoroughly. When planting, pay attention to a protected location in partial shade. The direct sun combined with warm winds increases water evaporation. A herb-rich understory promotes a moist microclimate near the ground. This means that the water from the soil evaporates more slowly.
Waterlogging
The roots of the loquat cannot tolerate conditions in the substrate that are too wet. If the water accumulates, the roots rot. They no longer absorb water, causing the leaves to dry out and fall off. While dryness causes stress on the plant, wetness causes damage.
By choosing the ideal location for your loquat, you prevent the formation of waterlogging. 'Red Robin' likes a well-drained substrate. A sandy soil is ideal because the water can drain away easily. Heavy loamy or clayey substrates retain water.
permanent frost
Although 'Red Robin' is hardy, long-term freezing temperatures can damage it. In harsh winter months, the ground freezes in the deeper layers. The roots of the loquat cannot absorb water. The following spring they lose their green leaves. This phenomenon is favored by a sunny location. The winter sun minimizes the water reserves of the leaves.
Water your loquat abundantly before winter and ensure it is in a partially shaded location. To protect against ground frost, spread brushwood, fir branches or fleece on the ground. Potted plants overwinter in a mild and protected place. Water these shrubs regularly when the top layer of soil has dried.
