About
Evergreen shrub or small tree to about 6m tall, with an erect habit, and glossy, elliptic leaves to 10cm in length, bright red when young, later dark green. Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in spring if left unpruned.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. See photinia cultivation
PruningMost cultivars may be pruned hard in spring to regenerate if necessary. If growing as a hedge trim two or three times during the growing season to main shape and encourage new red foliage. See pruning evergreen shrubs for further advice
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews