Photinia
( foh - TIN - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of shrubs is prized for its handsome foliage and needs full sun and moderate to regular water. These shrubs are commonly called Red Robin, and the berries produced after flowers fade are bird favorites. New growth is commonly brightly colored, and these plants add depth and foliage to screens and background plantings. Flowers are small and white, followed in autumn by black or red berries.
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Photinia Species and Varietals
The genus Photinia includes around 30 species, and is a member of the plant family Rosaceae. The botanical genus name is derived from the Greek word photeinos (meaning 'shiny'), and refers to the beautiful, glossy leaves produced by the shrubs. The ideal growing zones for Photinia vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Photinia davidiana (Stranvaesia davidiana) (Chinese Photinia) This species can be an evergreen shrub or small tree, and is native to China and Vietnam. Grows well in zones 4-11 and 14-17. This is an informal plant that reaches 6-20 feet tall and just as wide. SNew foliage is red-tinted, and some fall foliage turns purple or bronzey. Flowers appear in late spring and early summer and red berries appear in autumn. Give plenty of room to grow and not-too-rich soil. Variety Photinia davidiana undulata is a low-grower, reaching 5 feet tall and wide, with wavy foliage. |
Photinia x fraseri (Red Tip Photinia) This species can take the form of an evergreen shrub or tree and grows well in zones 3b and 4-24. New leaves are bright red, and this plant can reach 10-15 feet tall and wide. Flowers bloom in spring and are not followed by berries. Great as an espalier. Cut branches are wonderful in flower arrangements. Resistant to mildew and heat, but can suffer from leaf spot and chlorosis. Aphids can also be an issue for this species. Varieties include 'Birmingham' (half the size of the species), 'Indian Princess' (with orange-red new growth) and 'Red Robin' (pictured; with bright red new foliage; resistant to leaf spot). |
Photinia glabra (Japanese Photinia) This species is an evergreen shrub type that grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24. It reaches 6-10 feet tall and wide, with a broad, dense habit. Leaves are copper-colored when new and a couple leaves will turn bright red in fall and winter. Flowers appear in early summer and are followed by red berries that age to black. Varieties are available with variegated foliage. |
Photinia serratifolia (Photinia serrulata) (Chinese Photinia) This species can be kept as a shrub or formed into a tree, and is best in zones 4-16 and 17-24. Prone to mildew in zones 17, 23 and 24. Native to China, with a broad, dense habit reaching 30 feet tall and wide. Can be kept at about a third of the size if desired. Leaves have prickly edges and flower clusters bloom in late spring to early summer. Berries are bright red and last through winter. Variety 'Aculeata' (also sold under 'Nova' or 'Nova Lineata') has a more compact growing habit and ivory-yellow veining on leaves. |
Photinia villosa (Christmas Berry, Oriental Photinia) This species can be grown as either a deciduous shrub or tree, and is native to China, Korea and Japan. It reaches about 15 feet tall and just as wide, and is best in zones 3-9 and 14-17. New foliage is pale gold with rose tint, and matures to green when mature. Leaves are bright red or yellow in autumn. Flower clusters are followed by bright red berries. |
Caring for and pruning Photinia shrubs
Plant Photinia shrubs in full to partial sun in acidic to neutral soil that is well-draining. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the active growing and flowering seasons in spring and summer. Avoid overwatering or allowing water to stand at the base of the plant; this can cause issues with Root or Crown Rot. These shrubs are considered somewhat drought tolerant, but will do better with regular waterings. Apply a layer 2-3 inches deep of mulch after planting, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to discourage rot. These plants benefit greatly from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in springtime.
Prune to shape after each blooming period (in winter or early springtime). Evergreen species will keep their leaves through winter, though foliage can be damaged by temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. After freezing temperatures have passed in early spring, make sure to remove any damaged foliage or branches. Many Photinia varieties and species can be turned into trees; this will require yearly prunings as the plant is getting established. If you are growing Photinia shrubs as a privacy screen or hedge, prune regularly to maintain the desired height and bushiness. Taper the shrub, with the top slightly narrower than the base. This will allow sunlight to penetrate the top layers and reach the lower branches.
Prune to shape after each blooming period (in winter or early springtime). Evergreen species will keep their leaves through winter, though foliage can be damaged by temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. After freezing temperatures have passed in early spring, make sure to remove any damaged foliage or branches. Many Photinia varieties and species can be turned into trees; this will require yearly prunings as the plant is getting established. If you are growing Photinia shrubs as a privacy screen or hedge, prune regularly to maintain the desired height and bushiness. Taper the shrub, with the top slightly narrower than the base. This will allow sunlight to penetrate the top layers and reach the lower branches.
Propagation
The best way to propagate these shrubs is via cutting in midsummer. To complete the process, follow the steps below:
Propagating Photinia by Cutting
Propagating Photinia by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In the middle of summer, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Problems and Pests
Photinia shrubs are susceptible to the following issues:
- Fungal Leaf Spot
- Fire Blight
- Powdery Mildew
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Scale Insects
Gallery
Videos
How to propagate Photinia shrubs.
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All about Red-Tip Photinia.
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Trimming Photinia into a formal hedge.
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How to prune a Red-Tip Photinia shrub.
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Growing tips for Photinia shrubs.
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Dealing with Leaf Spot issues on Photinia shrubs.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 502, Photinia
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