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. 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 'Red Robin' is regular, moderate watering. 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 '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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Photinia 'Red Robin' with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Photinia 'Red Robin'
Plant Sale lists Photinia 'Red Robin' as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.