How to Cut Red Tip Bushes in the Winter

New, red growth gives the plant its nickname.

Red-tipped photinia is a common garden shrub generally used as a hedge or specimen planting. The plant takes its name from its bright-red new growth that turns green as it ages. Red-tipped photinia grows to 15 feet in height with an equal spread, but pruning keeps it to the desired size and shape. The ideal time to prune the shrub is in the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Loppers
• Rake
• 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Remove any branches and twigs that are damaged, diseased or dead. Cut them back to a main stem.

2. Prune the interior of the bush to allow air to circulate through it. Cut the stems in a random pattern for a more natural look.

3. Shape the shrub to your taste. Avoid shearing the shrub, as it causes a large flush of new growth susceptible to fungal leaf spot. Use pruning shears to cut the stems in a random pattern.

4. Clean the area beneath the shrub to remove pruning debris and mulch. Remove the debris from the garden, and spread a fresh layer of mulch on the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait until new stems reach 1 foot in length, then cut them back to 6 inches to encourage the shrub to grow bushier.

References

• North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension; Pruning Basics; Paul G. McKenzie, et al.
• Sustainable Gardening: Red-tipped Photinia x fraseri and Photinia serrulata
• "Pruning: A Practical Guide"; Peter McHoy; 1993