About
Photinia villosa, the oriental photinia, is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub to 5 m with woolly young shoots and ovate leaves to 8 cm, sharply serrated and bronze when young, maturing to dark green then turning bright orange and red in autumn. Corymbs of small, white flowers in late spring are followed by oval, bright-red berries. A beautiful multi-season plant for a sunny, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Photinia are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees with simple leaves, often with vivid-red new growth, and panicles of small, white flowers in spring usually followed by red berries. Popular and ornamental garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina Japan Korea
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
CultivationGrows best in fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. See photinia cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Or propagate by seed sown in containers, in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews