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Photinia x fraseri
Red tip photinia
Hybrid of garden origin (P. glabra × P. serratifolia); first noted in Birmingham, Alabama, USAOverview
A large, upright to rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall and 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m) wide. Growth rate is fast, adding 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) per year. This hybrid originated from a cross between Photinia glabra (Japanese photinia) and P. serratifolia (Chinese photinia), combining the compact habit and red new growth of the former with the larger leaf size and vigor of the latter. Leaves are alternate, elliptical to oblong, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide, glossy, with finely serrated margins. The most conspicuous ornamental feature is the brilliant red to copper-red new growth, which occurs with each flush of growth from spring through fall. New leaves emerge vivid red, transitioning through copper and bronze to glossy dark green as they mature over 2-4 weeks. Multiple growth flushes per season, stimulated by pruning, provide repeated displays of red foliage. Flowers appear in March to April in terminal corymbs 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across, white, each approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across, with a somewhat unpleasant musty scent. Some gardeners remove flower clusters to promote additional red foliage flushes. Fruit is a small red pome ripening to dark red, produced sparsely. Highly susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot (Entomosporium maculatum), which causes circular red-purple spots on foliage, potentially defoliating the plant; this disease has significantly reduced the species' popularity in the southeastern United States but is less severe in the drier summers of the Pacific Northwest. Hardy to approximately 0-10°F (-18 to -12°C).
Native Range
A hybrid of garden origin, first noted at the Fraser Nursery in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, in 1940. The cross is between Photinia glabra (native to Japan and China) and P. serratifolia (native to China). Does not occur in the wild.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a formal or informal hedge at 3-5 foot (0.9-1.5 m) spacing, where repeated pruning produces multiple flushes of red new growth through the growing season. Suitable as a privacy screen, foundation planting, or specimen. The fast growth rate provides quick screening. Suitable for containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L) for the first several years. Tolerates urban pollution. The cultivar 'Red Robin' is widely planted and features particularly vivid red new growth.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from March to April in USDA zones 7-9. Terminal corymbs 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across bear white flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers have a somewhat unpleasant musty scent. Fruit is a small red pome, produced sparsely. The primary ornamental feature is the brilliant red new foliage rather than the flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Brilliant red to copper-red new growth; glossy dark green mature foliageGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun for the most vivid red new growth color and the best air circulation to reduce disease. Adapts to a range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5, provided drainage is adequate. Water regularly during establishment; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Entomosporium leaf spot is the most significant disease: it causes red-purple spots on foliage and can defoliate plants in humid conditions with poor air circulation. To minimize: site in full sun with good air movement, avoid overhead irrigation, clean up fallen leaves, and space plants to allow air circulation. In the Pacific Northwest, the drier summers make this disease less severe than in the Southeast. Fire blight may also occur. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization.Pruning
Prune 2-3 times during the growing season to promote repeated flushes of brilliant red new growth, which is the primary ornamental feature. Each pruning stimulates a new flush approximately 2-3 weeks later. Prune after each growth flush hardens off. For formal hedging, shear to the desired form. Remove flower clusters before they open if a tidier appearance and additional red foliage flushes are desired. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) in late winter is tolerated; vigorous red-leaved regrowth follows. Remove any fire-blight-infected branches promptly.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springlate springsummer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons