How to Grow Photinia Red Robin Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Photinia red robin hedge is a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The glossy, dark green leaves of photinia red robin hedge are its most distinctive feature. In the spring, the shrub is covered in clusters of small, white flowers that give way to bright red berries. The berries are loved by birds and provide winter interest in the garden.

How to Grow Photinia Red Robin Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Christmas Berry
  • Crimson Beauty
  • Crimson Jewel
  • Crimson Pearl
  • Winter Fire

Common Knowledge

  • Photinia red robin is a shrub or small tree that typically grows to 6-10 feet tall.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn red in the fall and winter.
  • The small white flowers bloom in the spring, followed by small red fruits.
  • Photinia is native to China and Korea.
  • It was introduced into the United States in the late 1800s.
  • Photinia is often used as a hedge or screening plant.
  • It is also used in landscaping as an accent plant.
  • Photinia is susceptible to several diseases, including leaf spot and fire blight.
  • It is also attractive to deer and other wildlife.
  • Photinia can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or grafting.

Related plant:
Photinia Little Red Robin

Planting Process

  1. For photinia red robin hedge, first step is to find a good location. Photinia red robin hedge prefers full sun, but it will tolerate partial sun.
  2. The second step is to clear the area where you want to plant photinia red robin hedge. Remove all the weeds and grass in the area.
  3. The third step is to loosen the soil in the planting area. You can do this with a shovel or a garden tiller.
  4. The fourth step is to add some organic matter to the planting area. You can use compost, manure, or peat moss.
  5. The fifth step is to dig a hole for each plant. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
  6. The sixth step is to remove the plant from the container. Gently loosen the roots before planting.
  7. The seventh step is to place the plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
  8. The eighth step is to fill in the hole with the dirt you removed. Tamp down the soil lightly.
  9. The ninth step is to water the plants well.
  10. The tenth and final step is to mulch the area around the plants. This will help keep the weed down and hold in moisture.

Related plant:
Photinia Shrub

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Photinia red robin hedge can survive in any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. However, it thrives in sandy or clay soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Light requirement

So, like the other Photinia species, the Photinia red robin hedge requires a lot of sunlight to thrive. This means that it is best suited for planting in an area that gets direct sunlight for most of the day. If you are looking to plant a Photinia red robin hedge in your garden, make sure you have a spot that gets plenty of sun before getting started.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is key when growing a photinia red robin hedge. If the temperature is too cold, the leaves will turn brown and fall off. If the temperature is too hot, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. When kept at these levels, the plant will be able to thrive and produce vibrant red leaves. If the humidity level drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity level rises above 60%, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need too much. Just a light top dressing of compost in spring is usually sufficient. However, if you want to give it a little extra boost, you can use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. This will help the plant to produce more leaves. For the root, it is important to make sure that the plant has plenty of room to grow. This means that you will need to loosen the soil around the plant and make sure that it is well-drained.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Photinia red robin hedge is important to keep it looking its best. You can prune it to any shape you like, but it is important to remember that the more you prune it, the more it will need to be done. It is best to prune it in the spring, after the last frost.

About Propagating

Propagation 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 taken from the tips of the branch. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix and keep it moist. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 3 and 5 feet per year, however, some plants have been known to grow up to 10 feet per year. The average width of a photinia red robin hedge is between 6 and 8 feet, but they can range in width from 4 to 12 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually leaf spot, stem dieback, and root rot. These problems are caused by different fungi and are often seen in humid or wet conditions. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant your photinia red robin hedge in well-drained soil and avoid over-watering.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plants regularly. They need to be kept moist but not waterlogged.
  • Photinia red robin hedge plants are fast growers. Keep them trimmed to maintain their compact shape.
  • These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  • These plants are relatively drought tolerant once they are established.
  • Fertilize your plants every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • These plants are susceptible to aphids and other pests. Check your plants regularly and treat them accordingly.
  • These plants can be propagated by softwood cuttings.
  • Photinia red robin hedge plants can be susceptible to powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for signs of this disease and treat accordingly.
  • These plants are generally hardy and low maintenance.
  • Enjoy your beautiful photinia red robin hedge!

You May Like

  • Photinia crassifolia
  • Photinia crassifolia (Chinese photinia) is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, Rosaceae, endemic to central and southern China, in the Provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang, and possibly also in southeastern Tibet. Its leaves are terminal and alternate, oval to elliptical, 2-5 cm (0.79-56 in) long and 1-4 cm (0.39-57 in) broad, with a finely serrated margin, a leathery to subcoriaceous texture, and a glossy upper surface. The flowers are white or pink, 5-6 mm in diameter. The fruit is a dark red drupe. The plant forms hybrids with Photinia serratifolia. Photinia crassifolia is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree

Source:
Photinia | Texas Plant Disease Handbook
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Photinia—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Photinia serrulata (Chinese Photinia, Oriental Photinia) | North ...

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