Eriobotrya Deflexa ‘Coppertone’

A hybrid of mysterious parentage. Thought to be a cross between Raphiolepsis and Eriobotrya deflexa but no one seems absolutely sure.

Not for the coldest garden but it makes a reliable shrub that – like so many shrubs – lends itself to being Creatively Maintained into a nice little tree.

Whatever its true origins, it’s a member of the Rose family and is undoubtedly related to the well know Eriobotrya japonica and and the even better known Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – but more exotic than both with masses of nice fragrant little pinkish flowers in late spring/early summer.

Could grow to 10 ft or more in 15 years. Any reasonably well drained soil and not too shady.

Propagated by grafting onto Quince root-stock (Cydonia vulgaris)

The picture of the tree is in San Francisco and might be Eriobotrya deflexa but gives an idea of the potential…

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.

Hardiness level Amber

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IF IT HAS A AMBER TRAFFIC LIGHT

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Hardy in the Home Counties if sensibly sited (avoiding severe frost pockets, for example). Many Amber Labelled Plants are from cuttings from well-established plants that have survived many harsh winters in the South-East.

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.