Shrub
Red Robin photinia
Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'
An upright evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy leaves that emerge bright red before turning dark green. It needs a sheltered site and regular trimming if the red flush is to stay dense and visible.
- Size
- 4–8 m high · 2.5–4 m wide
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Allow for a shrub several metres high unless you plan regular clipping or choose a smaller photinia.
- Avoid a cold, exposed site where drying wind and late frost can damage young red growth.
- Keep ornamental fruit away from children and pets; it is not intended for eating.
Why choose it
- Produces a striking red flush of young leaves against mature dark green foliage.
- Works as an evergreen screen, informal hedge or trained small tree in a sheltered garden.
Care
- Water while the roots establish and during prolonged dry weather.
- Trim after the main spring flush, and again lightly if needed, to encourage fresh red shoots.
- Remove badly spotted fallen leaves and avoid repeatedly wetting the foliage late in the day.
Good to know
- Leaving some shoots untrimmed may allow creamy-white spring flowers, while frequent clipping favours red foliage instead.