A fast, frost-hardy evergreen screen famous for its brilliant red new growth each spring. The exotic workhorse hedge for cool-climate gardens.
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: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Photinia 'Red Robin'
Botanically, Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' 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 'Red Robin'
Photinia 'Red Robin' suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Photinia 'Red Robin' does best in clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Photinia 'Red Robin' does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Photinia 'Red Robin' 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 'Red Robin' in the garden
Photinia 'Red Robin' earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
Combine Photinia 'Red Robin' with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Photinia 'Red Robin'
Plant Sale lists Photinia 'Red Robin' as tube stock and potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
