Red tip photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is an evergreen shrub that gets its name from the striking red color of its young leaves, which change to a dark green as they mature. it’s a hybrid plant, a cross between Photinia glabra (Japanese photinia) and Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia). Also referred to as Fraser photinia, it’s a superb shrub for hedges and privacy screens, and it are often shaped into alittle specimen tree. This plant features a fast rate of growth and may gain around 1 to three feet annually . It should be planted within the spring.

The shrub has white or cream flowers that almost cover the foliage at the height of their bloom. Unfortunately, the flowers have an unpleasant odor, so most gardeners like better to prune the shrub’s stems before they flower. If the flowers are left to bloom, they provide thanks to small red pome fruit which will remain through winter and into the subsequent spring.

Red Tip Photinia Care

The key to successfully growing these shrubs is to supply them with a spot that has good air circulation and well-drained soil. Soggy conditions can promote disease which will be deadly to the plant. If you’re planting several shrubs to make a hedge, confirm to account for the plant’s width at full size. There must still be space for air to maneuver through the leaves between each plant.

Pruning are going to be one among your main tasks to worry for your red tip photinia. It’s important to prune a minimum of annually to thin the expansion and improve air flow throughout the plant. Plus, if you would like , you furthermore may can prune throughout the season to encourage new growth of the young red leaves. Besides pruning, decide to water when the soil gets dry and fertilize if your soil lacks nutrients.

Light

Red tip photinia features a broad tolerance for sunlight exposure. It can even tolerate full shade, though this may limit flowering. In hot climates, this shrub does best when it gets partial shade—especially protection from the recent afternoon sun. it’s best planted in north- or east-facing locations. In cooler climates, it prefers full sun.

Soil

Red tip photinia prefers loamy, well-drained soil during a planting site that has good air movement. Heavy clay soils should be amended with 50% compost before planting.

Water

Water the plant once every week at its base during dry periods, and avoid getting the leaves wet. Once established, red tip photinia features a good tolerance for brief periods of drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Red tip photinia does well within the climate conditions across USDA growing zones 7 to 9, provided it gets good airflow to stop the fungal disease. It doesn’t have the best in very wet, humid environments. It can survive in zone 6 when planted during a location that’s sheltered from harsh winds yet has generally good air circulation around the shrub.

Fertilizer

Red tip photinia normally doesn’t require fertilizing unless your soil is extremely poor. When feeding is required (based on a soil test), use a slow-release organic within the early spring as new growth begins.

Is Red Tip Photinia Toxic?

Photinia species are generally safe for humans, though their flowers can provoke allergies in susceptible people. Household pets also typically aren’t bothered by them. But livestock, especially ruminants, can experience toxic symptoms if they ingest the leaves, stems, or fruits thanks to how their digestive systems work.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Symptoms of toxicity include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, panting, rapid heartbeat, and muscle spasms. Contact a medical professional immediately if you think of poisoning.

Pruning

Continual pruning of the shoot tips because the red foliage begins to fade will prompt further production of the attractive reddish leaves. This does preempt flower production. However, most gardeners don’t mind this because the flowers have an unpleasant odor.

Thin your shrub annually within the winter by removing some stems all the thanks to the bottom to enhance air circulation. this may help to stop fungal disease and make sure that light can hit all parts of the plant. If you would like to coach this plant to grow as a tree, choose a central leader and prune away competing shoots. this may gradually turn the plant into a tree shape.

Common Pests/Diseases

Red tip photinia is vulnerable to fungal diseases when conditions are wet and humid. Entomosporium fungus may be a particular threat. This disease appears as red spots across the leaf surface. If it’s not controlled, it can overtake the plant and cause many of the leaves to drop, sometimes killing the plant. you’ll help affected plants recover by keeping the leaves dry and removing diseased foliage.

Powdery mildew and fireblight also are potential problems. And plant disease is feasible if the soil is just too wet. you furthermore may might see scorch , plant disease , and grey mold. Insects that you simply might find on this shrub include caterpillars, European fruit-tip moth, mites, and scale.

Red Tip Photinia Varieties

• Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’: this is often the foremost commonly planted cultivar. It grows 9 to 12 feet tall with an identical spread. It’s a somewhat compact cultivar that’s easy to tame to be used in hedges.
• Photinia × fraseri ‘Little Red Robin’: This plant is analogous to ‘Red Robin’ though much smaller, with a height and spread of only 2 to three feet.
• Photinia × fraseri ‘Pink Marble’: this is often a more modern cultivar, featuring bitter floom young leaves with white variegated margins. It grows 7 to 14 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.