Species

1 other cultivar

‘Little Red Robin’Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia

shrub

Carre Rouge Photinia

Photinia × fraseri 'Carre Rouge'

The Story

Plant Bio

Photinia × fraseri is a vigorous evergreen hybrid shrub bred from Asian parent species, widely cultivated for its glossy foliage and red new growth. The plant produces broad, flattened clusters of small white flowers in mid-spring, though its primary landscape value lies in its dense, hedging habit.

'Carré Rouge' is distinguished by its compact, upright form and smaller, stiffer leaves than the standard hybrid. The young shoots emerge a persistent blood-red before maturing to a deep, glossy green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking, long-lasting display of blood-red young foliage contrasting against dark green mature leaves.

Functions as a dense, fast-growing privacy screen or formal hedge that responds well to shaping.

Offers dense, evergreen nesting cover and shelter for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

98"

Width

79"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

Asia (parent species native range)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to maximize the intensity of the red foliage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend heavy soil to ensure rapid drainage.
Position the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent collar rot.
Water deeply at the base rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry and prevent leaf spot.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the spring flush of red growth fades to stimulate a secondary cycle of red shoots; avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood as it fails to regenerate from bare timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water the root zone directly to keep the foliage dry.
Prune lightly in late spring to encourage a second flush of red leaves.
Space plants generously to ensure excellent air circulation around the canopy.

Don't

Do not use overhead sprinkler irrigation, which spreads fungal spores.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood lacking active leaves.
Do not plant in waterlogged heavy clay or highly alkaline soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeSpecimen/Focal PointFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Viburnum dentatum Buxus sempervirens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Carre Rouge Photinia questions

What zones can Carre Rouge Photinia grow in?

Carre Rouge Photinia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Carre Rouge Photinia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Carre Rouge Photinia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Carre Rouge Photinia bloom?

Carre Rouge Photinia typically blooms in mid spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Carre Rouge Photinia need full sun?

Carre Rouge Photinia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Carre Rouge Photinia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Carre Rouge Photinia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.