About

Creamy white panicles of flowers in late spring and then red fruits. A medium- to large-sized evergreen shrub with glossy, oblong to oval shaped, leathery leaves that are bronze with pinkish margins when young, and mature to become green flecked with grey-green and develop a creamy white edge. Not a vigorous variety but can make an attractive variegated evergreen specimen.

About the genus

Photinia can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves and panicles of small white flowers, usually followed by red berries

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See photinia cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf damage by vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews