How to identify Japanese photinia (Photinia glabra)
Japanese photinia is a robust evergreen that reaches heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). Recognizable by its late spring blooming, this species emits a strong scent from its flowers that some find unpleasant. Distinctive for its glossy, dark green foliage that begins as a striking reddish bronze, the leaves transition to a mature hue while showcasing 8-14 pairs of lateral veins. The leaves are alternate, coriaceous, and elliptic-obovate in shape. Reddish buds can be observed year-round, providing ornamental interest. Although resilient to drought and alkaline soil, japanese photinia is sensitive to cold and excessive moisture and may experience pest and disease challenges, such as leaf spot.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Robust evergreen reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
Distinctive glossy dark green leaves with reddish bronzy new growth.
White flowers less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in terminal cymes.
Small red pome fruit less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter.
Stout greenish-brown stem with smooth surface and alternate robust branching.
The leaves of japanese photinia are alternate, simple, and range from 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long and 0.3-0.5 inches (0.75-1.25 cm) wide. They are elliptic to obovate in shape, with an acute tip and cuneate base. The leaf edges are serrulate. The leaves are coriaceous, featuring 8-14 pairs of parallel veins. Mature leaves are lustrous dark green, while new growth appears bronzy red.
The flowers of japanese photinia are white, sometimes tinged with pink, and emit an offensive odor. Each flower is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size. The inflorescence is a terminal cyme, measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. The blooms are small and clustered, making up a distinct characteristic of the plant. The petals are arranged in a simple and symmetrical fashion. These flowers typically appear in late spring, contributing to the seasonal display of japanese photinia.
The stem of japanese photinia is stout and greenish-brown, characterized by a sturdy texture and moderate thickness, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 inches (0.5 to 1.2 cm) in diameter. The surface is smooth, with occasional fine striations. Branching is generally alternate, with the twigs exhibiting a robust and slightly zigzag pattern. The bark is relatively thin, without significant fissures, and can display a subtle sheen under sunlight, adding to its distinctive appearance.
The fruit of japanese photinia manifests as a pome, akin to a small berry, with a vibrant red hue that captures the eye. Typically, the fruit does not exceed a diameter of less than an inch (2.54 cm), presenting a compact and rounded profile. Its texture is likely firm when young, softening upon maturity. This bright fruit stands as a distinctive feature during its development stage that, while not overtly large, adds a punctuation of color to the plant's visual presentation.
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Scientific Classification of Japanese photinia
