How do I Care for a Red-Tip Photinia?

Photinias have vivid new foliage.

Red-tip photinia, scientifically referred to as Photinia x fraseri, is an upright oval bush growing 12 to 18 feet high and 8 to 12 feet wide. This shrub's new foliage is a burgundy-red color, which is offset by its older, dark-green foliage. In summer, if the new growth remains on the bush, white flowers cover the canopy. Red-tip photinias grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 9, which means that they overwinter in areas where temperatures stay above 10 degrees.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant red-tip photinia in an area with full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide a location that also has good air circulation. Photinia most likely will develop leaf spot if it's planted in partial shade or a location where the leaves stay moist for long periods of time.

2. Water the shrub deeply after planting, then keep it evenly moist until it starts growing vigorously. Keep the soil slightly moist throughout the first growing season. After that, photinia can survive on rainwater alone. Do not get the leaves wet when watering, as this promotes leaf spot.

3. Fertilize the red-tip photinia in spring right after new growth starts. Apply a fertilizer marked 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, following the package directions for proper amounts. Avoid fertilizing the photinia in summer; it will promote new growth that becomes susceptible to disease.

4. Prune your red-tip photinia in winter, when it is dormant. Cut off infected leaves and shape the tree as you wish. This tree can withstand heavy pruning and most people clip it into hedge form.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Photinia (Red Tip)
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Photinia x Fraseri (Fraser Photinia)
• University of Delaware Botanic Gardens: Photinia x Fraseri