Maintenance Landscaping Design

Photinia shrub is a plant that is native to China. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are glossy and dark green in color. The flowers are white and bloom in the spring.

Also known as

• Flowering quince
  
• Japanese quince
  
• Chinese quince
  
• Chaenomeles
  
• Cydonia

Common Knowledge

• Photinia shrubs are part of the rose family.
  
• They are native to Asia, specifically China and Japan.
  
• The photinia shrub has glossy, dark green leaves.
  
• The leaves are usually arranged in pairs, though some varieties have them arranged in threes.
  
• Photinia shrubs produce small, white flowers in the spring.
  
• These flowers are followed by small, red berries in the summer.
  
• The berries are poisonous to humans, but birds love them.
  
• Photinia shrubs can grow to be 6-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.
  
• They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  
• Photinia shrubs are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.

Related plant:
Photinia Little Red Robin

Planting Process

1. For photinia shrub, first step is to take cutting from the healthiest plant possible.
   
2. Cut a 4-6 inches long stem with a clean, sharp knife or garden shears.
   
3. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.
   
4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
   
5. Fill a pot with a moistened soilless mix or perlite.
   
6. Stick the cutting into the pot, making sure that the leaves are above the surface of the mix.
   
7. Firm the mix around the stem.
   
8. water the pot well.
   
9. Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.
   
10. Keep the mix moist but not soggy. Roots should form in 4-6 weeks.

Related plant:
Photinia Bush

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the photinia shrub prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, but it is adaptable to other soil types. It does not tolerate wet, boggy conditions. You can improve drainage around the shrub by adding organic matter to the soil or planting it on a mound.

Light condition

Similar to other shrubs, the Photinia shrub also needs a good amount of sunlight to grow properly. 6 hours of sunlight is ideal for this plant. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become weak and will not be able to produce the beautiful red leaves that it is known for.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the Photinia shrub is one that is warm and sunny. This shrub prefers to grow in areas that receive full sun to partial sun throughout the day. The Photinia shrub can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a good choice for growing in colder climates.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. Avoid overwatering and water only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow, it is an indication that it is not receiving enough water.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this family of plant need, is 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. For best results, use a fertilizer made for evergreens. Apply the fertilizer in the spring, according to the package directions. Photinias are shallow rooted, so be careful not to overwater. They prefer a moist, but well-drained soil.

Light requirement

Pruning photinia shrubs is important to promote new growth and maintain a healthy plant. can be done in late winter or early spring. When pruning, remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any wood that is crossing or rubbing against other branches. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.

The Propagation

Propagation of Photinia shrubs 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 healthy, disease-free stems. Before planting, the bottom inch or so of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can then be planted in a moistened potting mix and placed in a sheltered location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in 4-6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted and be ready to transplant into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate information is based on average growth rates. An average photinia shrub will grow between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, some photinia shrubs have been known to grow as much as 24 inches in a single year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. If you see any of these problems, you should take action to treat the plant. These problems can be caused by different factors, such as weather, insects, or disease.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant photinia in an area that receives full sun.
  
• This shrub does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
  
• Although photinia is tolerant of drought, it benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
  
• Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  
• Prune photinia regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  
• This shrub is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
  
• To avoid these problems, make sure to plant photinia in an area with good air circulation and provide adequate drainage.
  
• Fertilize photinia shrubs monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• In late winter or early spring, apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant.
  

Alternative Plants

• Photinia crispa.
  
• Photinia davidiana.
  
• Photinia fraseri.
  
• Photinia glabra.
  
• Photinia parvifolia.
  
• Photinia serratifolia.
  
• Photinia villosa.
  
• Photinia rubens.
  
• Photinia pyrifolia.
  
• Photinia serrulata.

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Photinia—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Fraser Photinia; Redtip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)
Fraser Photinia - Photinia fraseri - PNW Plants