Red tip photinia
Photinia fraseri · Rosaceae
⚠️ Photinia : feuilles et noyaux contiennent cyanogènes. Ingestion provoque troubles digestifs, cyanose chez chats, chiens, enfants.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around red tip photinia and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, scarlet red in spring then dark green
- Flowering
- April to May, small white flowers in corymbs
- Adult size
- Up to 3 m tall, 2 to 2.5 m wide
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10 °C (zone 8)
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Photinia × fraseri)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
- Fruiting
- Small red berries in autumn
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Prune hard in February-March (cut back to 50-60 cm) for dense, compact branching; without pruning, the shrub becomes too tall and bare at the base. A light compost application in March stimulates new red foliage.
The common mistake
Light or partial pruning slows density: Photinia needs sharp, regular cuts to stay compact and red at the base.
The pro's trick
In May-June, after flowering, pinch back shoots to get an extra branch at each node; you'll increase foliage density over a few years.
Care
Light exposure
Plant your photinia in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) to get the most beautiful red spring foliage colour. Partial shade is acceptable but reduces the intensity of the red colouring. Avoid excessively windy areas which can dry out the foliage.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially in the first year and during dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on climate and season. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root waterlogging.
Pruning and training
Prune your photinia after flowering (late May, early June) to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage new shoots with red leaves. Cut back branches by about a third of their length. Light pruning in autumn is possible, but avoid heavy pruning in winter which weakens the plant.
Fertiliser and nutrition
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring, when vegetation starts growing. An additional application in early summer can boost vigour. Prefer a light fertiliser designed for ornamental shrubs. Organic mulching at the base helps feed the soil gradually.
Soil preparation
Prepare well-drained soil enriched with organic matter (potting soil, compost) for better rooting. Overly chalky soil can cause chlorosis: correct with an acidifying amendment if needed. Check drainage when planting and improve it if the soil tends to retain water.
Diseases and pests
Photinia is generally hardy but can be affected by powdery mildew (white powder on leaves) if humidity is stagnant. Ensure good air circulation when pruning. Watch for possible mites or aphids during dry periods; good hygiene and proper watering reduce these risks.
Did you know?
The red-leaved photinia is a hybrid created in the 20th century in New Zealand, resulting from the cross between Photinia glabra and Photinia serratifolia. Its popularity increased in Europe from the 1980s onwards as an ornamental shrub for visual screens and hedges, prized for its spectacular scarlet red spring colouring that reappears with each new growth.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.