Carre Rouge Topiary Lollipops – Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’
Price range: £61.24 through £430.24
The Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipop (Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’) is an elegant, compact, and hardy evergreen that offers vibrant red foliage, year-round structure, and easy maintenance. With its naturally dense growth, strong cold resistance, and striking seasonal color changes, it is an ideal choice for formal gardens, patios, and contemporary landscapes. Whether planted as a standalone feature, in pairs for symmetry, or within a structured planting scheme, this stunning topiary brings long-lasting visual appeal and practical resilience to any outdoor space.
| Quantity | Discount | Discounted price |
| 3 - 5 | 5% | - |
| 6 - 9 | 10% | - |
| 10 - 14 | 15% | - |
| 15 - 24 | 20% | - |
| 25 + | 25% | - |
Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipops – Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’
Overview
Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’, commonly known as Carré Rouge, is a compact, evergreen shrub that has been meticulously shaped into a striking topiary lollipop. Renowned for its vibrant red new growth, this elegant tree brings year-round interest with its glossy foliage, seasonal color shifts, and easy-to-maintain structure. Its naturally dense habit, resistance to cold, and adaptability to various conditions make it an excellent choice for formal gardens, patios, and urban landscapes where architectural form and rich foliage contrast are desired.
Why Choose Carré Rouge Topiary?
Carré Rouge is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen topiary that delivers strong visual impact throughout the year. Unlike traditional Photinia varieties, ‘Carré Rouge’ is more compact, with denser growth and smaller leaves, making it ideal for shaping into a neat, rounded lollipop form. Its intense red new foliage, which emerges in spring and again after pruning, provides a striking contrast against its mature dark green leaves. This variety is also more resistant to cold than standard Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’, making it a hardier and more versatile alternative.
Growth and Seasonal Interest
Carré Rouge is an evergreen tree that undergoes stunning seasonal color changes. In early spring, its young leaves emerge in a deep red hue, gradually maturing to a glossy dark green. A second flush of red growth often appears in late summer or early autumn, particularly if lightly pruned. From late spring to early summer, small creamy-white flowers may appear, adding subtle seasonal charm. In winter, the dense foliage structure remains intact, ensuring year-round interest and structure in the garden.
Pruning and Maintenance
This topiary lollipop requires minimal maintenance to retain its elegant, rounded shape. Light pruning twice a year, ideally in late spring and late summer, will encourage a second flush of red foliage while maintaining its compact form. Pruning after the first flush of red growth fades helps stimulate fresh color and promotes denser branching. It is best to avoid heavy pruning in late autumn, as tender new growth may be more susceptible to frost damage. If grown in a container, repotting every three to five years and occasional root pruning will ensure its long-term health.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’ is classified as RHS Hardiness Rating H5, meaning it can withstand temperatures down to approximately -15°C, making it suitable for most regions of the UK. Unlike some Photinia varieties, ‘Carré Rouge’ is more resistant to cold, ensuring that its vibrant foliage persists even in cooler conditions. In particularly harsh winters, young or potted specimens may benefit from mulching around the base to insulate the roots and prevent frost damage. Container-grown trees should be placed in a sheltered location to reduce exposure to strong winds.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Carré Rouge thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun encouraging the richest red foliage. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. A sheltered position, away from harsh winds, will help maintain the integrity of its delicate new growth. Once established, it exhibits moderate drought tolerance, though occasional watering during extended dry periods will enhance its overall health and vibrancy.
Companion Planting Suggestions
Carré Rouge pairs beautifully with a variety of plants that complement its striking foliage and structured form. For a formal garden setting, it works well alongside yew or boxwood hedging, which enhances its rounded shape. Underplanting with lavender, salvia, or heuchera provides contrasting colors and textures, while ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima add softness to the surrounding design. In mixed borders, pairing it with perennials like echinacea or sedum ensures seasonal interest throughout the year.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Although primarily grown for its ornamental appeal, Carré Rouge supports garden biodiversity. Its spring and summer flowers attract pollinators, while its dense evergreen foliage provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. In urban environments, this tree acts as a natural windbreak and improves air quality, making it a valuable addition to eco-friendly planting schemes.
Fun Fact
Photinia × fraseri is a hybrid plant, originally developed from species native to Asia and North America. The name “Photinia” comes from the Greek word photeinos, meaning “shiny,” referring to its glossy leaves that reflect light beautifully in the garden.
Summary
The Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipop (Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’) is an elegant, compact, and hardy evergreen that offers vibrant red foliage, year-round structure, and easy maintenance. With its naturally dense growth, strong cold resistance, and striking seasonal color changes, it is an ideal choice for formal gardens, patios, and contemporary landscapes. Whether planted as a standalone feature, in pairs for symmetry, or within a structured planting scheme, this stunning topiary brings long-lasting visual appeal and practical resilience to any outdoor space.
Disclaimer
The appearance of Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’ may vary depending on the season and maturity at the time of purchase. The intensity of red foliage is influenced by sunlight exposure, pruning frequency, and growing conditions. Flowering is not always guaranteed, as it depends on environmental factors and maintenance practices. Potted specimens may require additional winter protection in colder regions.
FREE Specialist Delivery Available
Free specialist delivery on qualifying orders: At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to the size and type of plants you order, ensuring they arrive in excellent condition and ready to transform your outdoor space. We offer free specialist delivery on qualifying orders across most of the UK.
Typical lead time – around 3–4 weeks: Most orders take approximately 3–4 weeks to prepare and deliver. This time allows us to carefully source from our extensive range, prepare your plants to our high standards, and ensure everything arrives in peak condition.
Kerbside delivery only: All deliveries are kerbside, meaning your plants will be unloaded at the front of your property (driveway or kerbside) and will not be carried beyond this point. It is your responsibility to move the plants to their final location once delivered.
Safe place required: Please specify a safe place for box, pallet or van deliveries in your order notes. If none is provided, drivers will leave your order where they deem reasonable. Pallet and large tree deliveries require flat, solid access such as tarmac, concrete or brickweave – we cannot deliver onto gravel, shingle, grass or public roads or pathways.
Be available on the day of delivery: It is essential that you are contactable on your provided phone number in case the driver needs to reach you. If access is restricted, no safe place is available, or the driver is instructed not to leave the order, delivery will fail and additional delivery charges will apply or you may need to collect from the local depot.
Plan ahead: We recommend not booking landscapers or gardeners solely based on estimated delivery dates, as occasional delays can occur due to factors beyond our control. For full details, view our Delivery Policy or contact us for advice before ordering.
If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.
Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipops – Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Carré Rouge (Photinia × fraseri ‘Carré Rouge’) a good choice for topiary?
Carré Rouge is a compact variety of Photinia × fraseri, prized for its intense red new growth, dense evergreen foliage, and naturally compact habit. Unlike standard Photinia ‘Red Robin’, this cultivar has a more controlled growth rate, making it ideal for topiary lollipops. Its striking red foliage in spring and autumn, combined with its resilience to urban pollution and wind, makes it a low-maintenance yet visually striking choice for gardens, patios, and entranceways.
How fast does Carré Rouge Topiary grow?
Carré Rouge has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 20–30 cm per year under ideal conditions. It is more compact than ‘Red Robin’, meaning it requires less frequent pruning to maintain its shape. Regular trimming encourages denser, bushier growth and enhances the vivid red foliage that makes this variety so appealing.
How often should I prune my Carré Rouge Topiary?
To maintain its perfectly rounded lollipop shape, light pruning is recommended once or twice a year, ideally in late spring and late summer. Regular trimming helps encourage dense foliage and prolonged red color in new shoots. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn, as this can lead to frost-sensitive new growth. If necessary, light touch-ups throughout the growing season can help keep the shape refined.
What are the best growing conditions for Carré Rouge Topiary?
Carré Rouge thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun promoting the richest red foliage. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, though it is highly adaptable to various soil types, including loam, chalk, and sandy soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. It is also resistant to pollution and wind, making it suitable for urban, courtyard, and exposed garden settings.
Is Carré Rouge Topiary suitable for growing in pots?
Yes, Carré Rouge is well-suited for container planting, making it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, and entranceways. Use a large container (at least 50 cm in diameter) with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Container-grown trees require regular watering, especially in hot weather, as soil in pots dries out more quickly than in-ground soil. Repot every three to five years to refresh the soil and prevent root congestion. Applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring will help promote healthy foliage and encourage vibrant red growth.
How hardy is Carré Rouge, and does it need winter protection?
Carré Rouge is classified as RHS Hardiness Rating H5, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -10°C to -15°C, making it suitable for most UK climates. It remains evergreen year-round, though in particularly harsh winters, some leaf bronzing or minor leaf drop may occur—this is normal, and the plant will regrow fresh foliage in spring.
Young or container-grown plants may benefit from:
– A layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
– Wrapping pots with fleece or moving them to a sheltered location during severe frost.
Does Carré Rouge Topiary produce flowers?
Yes, Carré Rouge produces small white flowers in late spring, followed by small red berries in autumn if left unpruned. However, in topiary form, regular trimming often prevents flowering and fruiting, as the plant’s energy is focused on producing fresh foliage. If flowers and berries are desired, allow for lighter pruning in early spring to encourage blooms.
Can Carré Rouge Topiary be used as a pair for symmetrical planting?
Yes, Carré Rouge is an excellent choice for symmetrical planting, such as framing doorways, garden paths, or patios. Its naturally compact growth habit and strong structure make it easy to maintain a formal, balanced appearance. To ensure symmetry:
– Prune both trees at the same time to maintain an identical shape.
– Choose similar-sized specimens at purchase to avoid uneven growth.
– Plant in matching conditions (same soil type, sun exposure, and container size if in pots) to encourage uniform development.
Why are the leaves on my Carré Rouge Topiary turning green instead of red?
The intensity of Carré Rouge’s red foliage is influenced by seasonal changes and growing conditions. If new growth appears more green than red, possible reasons include:
– Insufficient sunlight – This variety needs full sun or bright partial shade to develop its best color.
– Lack of pruning – Regular trimming stimulates fresh red growth, whereas unpruned plants may develop more mature green leaves.
– Nutrient imbalance – A well-balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can enhance leaf coloration.
– Time of year – The most intense red foliage appears in spring and early autumn, while summer and winter growth tends to be greener.
**How to restore red color:**
– Increase sunlight exposure if possible (move potted specimens to a sunnier spot).
– Trim lightly to encourage fresh red regrowth.
– Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support leaf pigmentation.
Is Carré Rouge resistant to pests and diseases?
Yes, Carré Rouge is generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice. However, it can occasionally be affected by:
– Leaf spot – This fungal issue can occur in very humid or damp conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent it.
– Aphids or scale insects – Rarely a major issue, but they can be managed with a gentle insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.
Final Thoughts
Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipops are a stylish, resilient, and easy-care choice for formal gardens, patios, and urban landscapes. With their stunning red foliage, compact growth habit, and strong evergreen structure, they provide year-round interest with minimal maintenance. Proper pruning, occasional feeding, and strategic placement in full sun to partial shade will ensure these elegant topiary trees thrive for years to come.
Need More Help?
If you have any further questions about Carré Rouge Topiary Lollipops, feel free to contact us for expert advice.
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