Photinia ‘Red Robin’

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' is an evergreen ornamental shrub, highly valued for young leaves deep red, which gives color to the garden from spring to autumn.

 General characteristics

• Plant type: evergreen decorative shrub

• Height at maturity: 2–4 m (can be kept smaller by pruning)

• Width: 1.5–3 m

• Growth: fast

• Port: compact, dense, ideal for hedges

• Leaves: glossy, dark green; new shoots are bright red

• Flowers: white, small, clustered in inflorescences (April–May)

• Fruits: tomatoes (rarely decorative, appear if not trimmed)

 Location and soil

• Exposure: full sun - partial shade

  • in the sun → more intense red color

• Soil: fertile, well drained

• pH: slightly acid - neutral

• Avoid heavy, permanently wet soils

 Watering and maintenance

• Watering: regular in the early years; moderate after catching

• Drought resistance: good, after stabilization

• Fertilization: in spring, with fertilizer for ornamental shrubs

 Pruning

• Very well tolerated

• It is recommended:

  • 2–3 haircuts/year (spring, summer, early fall)

  • trimming stimulates the appearance of red new shoots

• Ideal for:

  • formal hedge

  • geometric shapes (block, cone, globe)

 Winter resistance

• Lasts up to -18 / -20°C

• In areas with harsh winters:

  • location sheltered from the wind is recommended

  • mulching at the base

 Diseases and pests

• Sensitive to leaf spot (Entomosporium)

  • prevention: good ventilation, avoiding watering the leaves

• Occasional: aphids, woolly lice

 Uses in landscaping

• Dense and decorative hedge

• Green screens for privacy

• Solitary plantings (color accent)

• Modern, classic or urban gardens

• Excellent combinations with:

  • English laurel

  • thuja

  • ilex

  • ornamental grasses