2 named cultivars

shrub

Red Tip Photinia

The Story

Plant Bio

Photinia x fraseri, red tip photinia, is a rapid oval evergreen shrub of South Chinese hybrid origin, ten to twenty feet high and five to ten feet across. Lustrous dark green leaves three to four inches long flush brilliant copper-red as they emerge, white flower clusters open in spring, and small red berry-like pomes follow.

The red is new growth, not autumn colour, so each flush of leaves runs scarlet before hardening to dark green — and clipping triggers another flush, which is why hedges of it stay red. Entomosporium leaf spot has devastated close plantings across the southeastern United States, and it is the single reason this shrub falls out of favour where it was once ubiquitous.

Uses & Benefits:

Brilliant copper-red new growth against lustrous dark green mature leaves, with white spring flowers.

Fast, evergreen and dense, so it screens quickly where leaf spot pressure is low.

Pollinators work the spring flower clusters and birds take the red pomes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

90 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in freely draining soil.
Space plants well apart for airflow.
Avoid overhead watering, which spreads leaf spot.
Clip in spring and early summer to trigger red flushes.
Clear fallen leaves from beneath the plants.
Do not plant a dense unbroken hedge of it.

Pro Tip

Space it generously and never water overhead — Entomosporium leaf spot spreads through crowded damp foliage and has killed whole hedges of this plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Space plants for airflow 🌬️
Water at the base only 💧
Clip to trigger red flushes ✂️
Clear fallen leaves 🍂

Don't

Plant a tight unbroken hedge ❌
Water it overhead ❌
Leave infected leaves on the ground ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Inspect
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen screen or informal hedgeLarge specimen shrubBoundary and background planting

Companion Plants

Camellia Nandina Loropetalum Abelia Distylium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Tip Photinia questions

What zones can Red Tip Photinia grow in?

Red Tip 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 Red Tip Photinia deer resistant?

Yes — Red Tip Photinia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Tip Photinia bloom?

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

Does Red Tip Photinia need full sun?

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

Is Red Tip Photinia drought tolerant?

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