Photinia x fraseri Magical Volcano ='Kolmacova'

Common name: Red Robin Magical Volcano

Description: This compact, eye-catching photinia cultivar offers exceptional foliage interest throughout the year with its brilliant display of emerging growth. New shoots and leaves emerge in spectacular shades of vibrant red to fiery orange-red, creating a striking contrast against the mature glossy green foliage. This continuous flush of colourful new growth occurs from spring through to autumn, providing months of visual interest. In mid to late spring, clusters of small creamy-white flowers appear, adding a delicate touch to the bold foliage display. 'Magical Volcano' has a naturally compact, bushy habit that requires minimal pruning compared to larger photinia varieties, making it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or low hedging. The evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and screening, whilst the red new growth creates seasonal drama and energy in the planting scheme.

Other benefits: compact habit suitable for small gardens and containers, continuous colourful new growth from spring to autumn, evergreen structure for year-round screening, low maintenance, suitable for hedging

Wildlife attraction: bees, other pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1m

Position: best in full sun to partial shade; red new growth colour is most intense in full sun with some shelter from cold winds

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to slightly acidic conditions; avoid very chalky soils

Moisture: moderate watering required, particularly during establishment and dry periods; prefers moist but well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: hardy to -10°C; benefits from shelter from cold, drying winds in exposed positions