Species

1 other cultivar

‘Carre Rouge’Carre Rouge Photinia

shrub

Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia

Photinia × fraseri 'Little Red Robin'

The Story

Plant Bio

Photinia × fraseri is a hybrid evergreen shrub derived from Photinia glabra and Photinia serratifolia, native to China and Japan. The parent species produce leathery, finely serrated foliage and broad, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers that emit a strong, hawthorn-like scent.

'Little Red Robin' is a compact, slow-growing dwarf cultivar that reaches only 24 to 40 inches in height and width. It is distinguished by its dense, rounded habit and brilliant crimson to bright blood-red new foliage flushes in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking color contrast with brilliant crimson spring foliage on a compact, evergreen form.

Serves as a low-maintenance, non-invasive dwarf hedge that fits small garden spaces without constant shearing.

Flowers attract generalist bees and beneficial insects, while the dense habit offers shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

40"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-year

Native To

Asia (parent species)

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and livestock

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location with humus-rich, well-drained soil to maximize red foliage intensity and reduce fungal risks.
Space plants widely to ensure excellent air circulation around the dense, compact canopy.
Apply a balanced, slow-release complete fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.
Water at the soil level using drip irrigation, keeping the leaves dry to prevent leaf spot infections.

Pro Tip

Prevent Entomosporium leaf spot by using morning drip irrigation to keep the foliage dry, and avoid shearing into old, leafless wood where the plant cannot regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly in spring after the red foliage fades to stimulate a secondary flush of crimson growth.
Clear and destroy fallen leaves promptly to eliminate overwintering fungal spores.
Thin out crowded interior branches during winter to improve airflow through the dense canopy.

Don't

Do not irrigate with overhead sprinklers, as wet foliage triggers Entomosporium leaf spot.
Do not shear back into old, bare woody stems that lack active leaves.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils where the root system will rot.

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

Low HedgeFoundation PlantingContainer SpecimenBorder Accent

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Viburnum dentatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia questions

What zones can Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia grow in?

Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia bloom?

Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia 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 Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia need full sun?

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

Is Little Red Robin Fraser Photinia drought tolerant?

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