Species

Photinia x fraseriRed Tip Photinia

1 other cultivar

‘Fire Fantasy’Fire Fantasy Photinia

shrub

Red Robin

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'

The Story

Plant Bio

Photinia is a genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees in the Rosaceae family, native primarily to warm temperate regions of Asia. The hybrid Photinia x fraseri arises from a cross between the Asian species Photinia glabra and Photinia serrulata, producing robust, woody plants adapted to a wide range of soils.

'Red Robin' is distinguished by its compact, upright growth habit and glossy, leathery leaves that emerge as a brilliant, ruby-red before maturing to deep green. In spring, the shrub produces dense, flat-topped terminal panicles of small, creamy-white flowers that carry a strong, distinct fragrance.

Uses & Benefits:

Grown for its vibrant ruby-red new foliage which provides a strong contrast against mature dark green leaves, and its fragrant spring flowers.

Forms a dense, wind-resistant, and highly effective privacy screen or formal hedge that responds well to regular shaping.

Supports general garden insects and nectar-seeking birds that feed on the small flowers and subsequent minor fruits.

SpeciesPhotinia x fraseriRed Tip Photinia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin (New Zealand)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximise the red foliage colouration, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter or gypsum if planting in heavy clay to prevent waterlogging.
Position the plant at the same depth as it was in the container, backfill, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Use hand secateurs rather than mechanical hedge trimmers to prune this cultivar; mechanical blades slice through the broad leaves, leaving brown, unsightly, half-cut margins that ruin the hedge face.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune selectively with secateurs just above a leaf joint to encourage dense branching and fresh red growth.
Ensure excellent drainage, especially in heavy soils, to prevent root rot.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Don't

Do not prune heavily in autumn, as this triggers soft new growth that is highly vulnerable to frost damage.
Do not use overhead irrigation, which leaves foliage wet and increases susceptibility to fungal leaf spot.
Do not over-fertilise, as excess nutrients promote succulent growth prone to pests and disease.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal or informal hedgingPrivacy screeningWindbreaksSpecimen planting

Companion Plants

Lagerstroemia indica Rosmarinus officinalis Buxus sempervirens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Robin questions

What zones can Red Robin grow in?

Red Robin is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Red Robin bloom?

Red Robin typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Robin need full sun?

Red Robin does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Red Robin drought tolerant?

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