Photinia
Water well through the first two summers; regular trimming from an early age encourages the dense, colourful growth this plant is grown for.
Care
Standard shrub siting.
Standard shrub watering.
Well-drained soil, tolerant of most types.
Trim 2-3 times through the growing season (spring to late summer) to encourage repeated flushes of the ornamental red new growth.
A balanced feed in spring and again after the first hard trim, which is what drives the flush of red new growth this shrub is grown for. A hedge that is clipped repeatedly needs the feed more than a single specimen does.
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, using the firmer growth lower down a shoot rather than the soft red tips, which wilt before they root.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes. how ›
- AprilFirst trim to encourage the flush of red new growth. how ›
- JuneSecond trim in early summer for a further flush. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes. how ›
- AprilFirst trim to encourage the flush of red new growth. how ›
- JuneSecond trim in early summer for a further flush. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Dark spots on leaves, worse in wet, crowded conditions.
What to do. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, remove badly affected leaves.
Popular varieties
Questions
Photinia: is it hardy?
H5: Hardy in most of the UK, but can struggle in the coldest inland or upland spots. It survives down to −15 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Popular as a trained standard or hedge in large pots.
Photinia: when do you prune it?
Trim 2-3 times through the growing season (spring to late summer) to encourage repeated flushes of the ornamental red new growth. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in April, June.
Photinia: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in May.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed in spring and again after the first hard trim, which is what drives the flush of red new growth this shrub is grown for. A hedge that is clipped repeatedly needs the feed more than a single specimen does. Feeding months, UK: April, June.