Photinia little red robin is a stunning evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden. This eye-catching plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are highlighted with little red tips. In late spring and early summer, small white flowers appear that contrast beautifully against the foliage. When fall arrives, the leaves turn a deep, rich red color that is simply breathtaking.
Related plant:
Photinia Red Robin Hedge
About soil condition, Photinia Little Red Robin prefers well-drained soil that is humus-rich. The plant does not like to sit in soggy conditions and will not tolerate being waterlogged. It is important to make sure the plant has good drainage. You can improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil or by planting in a raised bed.
Not too different with other Photinia, Little Red Robin requires full sun to partial sun. It prefers 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day, although it can tolerate up to 12 hours of sunlight. This shrub does best in well-drained soil that is moist but not soggy.
The temperature condition that is best for Photinia little red robin is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not like it too hot or too cold. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will turn brown and drop off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-80% Photinia little red robin is a plant that thrive in humid conditions. The plant grows best in an environment where the humidity is between 60 and 80 percent. If the humidity levels are too low, the plant will suffer from stress and may even die. too high of humidity can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and fall off.
Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is relatively easygoing and will do just fine with a regular application of all-purpose fertilizer or even just some compost worked into the soil each spring. The key is not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can actually damage the roots of the plant. Just a light application of fertilizer will suffice.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining your Photinia little red robin. This evergreen shrub is known for its vibrant red new growth, so you'll want to keep it looking its best by pruning it regularly. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
Propagation for Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should have several leaves. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should have a heel (a small section of bark and wood from the mother plant attached to the cutting). These cuttings can be rooted in moist sand, vermiculite, or perlite. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage root development. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast during the growing season, which is spring and summer. The growth rate will depend on the variety of photinia that you have. Some varieties can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow or brown and drop off, the stems may become weak and the plant may have a general overall unhealthy appearance. These problems are usually caused by over-watering, poor drainage, lack of sunlight or nutrient deficiencies.
Source:
Photinia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Photinia villosa | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Fraser Photinia; Redtip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)
