Red tip photinia (Photinia × fraseri)

Red tip photinia

Red tip photinia is a hybrid of Taiwanese and Japanese Photinia that was developed in Birmingham, Alabama, at Fraser Nurseries. Unlike its parents, this shrub or small tree develops few or no red fruits. It is a popular ornamental plant prized for its red-then-green leaves, showy white flowers, and its frost tolerance.

Scientific classification

Species

Red tip photinia (Photinia × fraseri)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Size

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Images of Red tip photinia

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Red tip photinia, including the following common varieties :

Photinia × fraseri 'Little Red Robin'Photinia × fraseri 'Robusta'Photinia 'Red robin'

Toxicity

Red tip photinia poses a mild toxicity risk to humans, cats, and dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides in all parts of the plant. Ingestion can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and more serious issues. Prompt veterinary care is essential for pets showing illness after contact with red tip photinia, and prevention of accidental ingestion is crucial. Care should be taken, especially for children and pets.

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Care Guide for Red tip photinia

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Red tip photinia thrives in moderate humidity and prefers well-balanced soil moisture, requiring weekly watering to maintain health. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and needs extra irrigation during prolonged dryness to sustain its glossy foliage, typically growing outdoors to benefit from natural rainfall.

Fertilize: Red tip photinia may not need fertilizing if soil is nutrient-rich, but it is recommended to fertilize twice a year for optimal growth. Use an all-purpose fertilizer in spring and winter; a potassium-rich fertilizer in late summer can improve red tip photinia's hardiness.

Pruning: Red tip photinia flourishes with vibrant red leaves when pruned annually in early to late winter. Focus on removing dead wood and thinning crowded areas to improve air circulation and light. Regular pruning promotes a dense structure, manages size, and prevents pest issues, enhancing its garden presence.

Propagation: Red tip photinia is an ornamental shrub with vibrant foliage. To propagate, take semi-hardwood cuttings below a leaf node, remove lower leaves, and dip in rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining soil, maintain consistent moisture, warmth, high humidity, and protect from direct sunlight for optimal root development.

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