A vigorous evergreen hedging shrub famous for its brilliant coppery-red new growth that flushes after each trim. Tougher and more upright than 'Red Robin', it makes a fast, dense screen.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Photinia Robusta
Botanically, Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' is a fast-growing shrub in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Photinia Robusta
Photinia Robusta suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Photinia Robusta does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Photinia Robusta is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Photinia Robusta after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Photinia Robusta in the garden
Photinia Robusta earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a windbreak, a feature or specimen planting and clipping into topiary.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Photinia Robusta with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Photinia Robusta
Plant Sale lists Photinia Robusta as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.