How to Grow Red Tip Photinia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Red tip photinia is a shrub that grows in warm climates. It is used as an ornamental plant in landscaping. The leaves of the red tip photinia are glossy and the plant produces white flowers.

How to Grow Red Tip Photinia - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Red tip photinia
  • Firethorn
  • Photinia
  • Photinia fraseri
  • Red Robins

Things to Know

  • Red tip photinia is an evergreen shrub that is native to Asia.
  • It is a popular landscaping plant because of its glossy, red leaves.
  • Red tip photinia can grow to be 10 feet tall and wide.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • Red tip photinia is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  • It is also susceptible to damage from aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles.
  • Red tip photinia can be pruned to shape it or to control its size.
  • It can be propagated from stem cuttings.
  • Red tip photinia is sometimes used as a hedge or privacy screen.
  • It can be an aggressive grower and may need to be controlled.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For red tip photinia, first step is to choose a good planting location. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  3. Place the root ball in the hole, and backfill with soil. Tamp down gently.
  4. Water the plant well, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, being careful not to pile the mulch against the stem.
  5. Fertilize the plant once per month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Prune back the plant in late winter to early spring to control its size and encourage new growth.
  7. Watch for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  8. The plant will produce small white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in late summer.
  9. Enjoy your red tip photinia!

Related plant:
Yoshino Cherry Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the red tip photinia grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well-drained. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay, but it does not like wet or soggy conditions. The best time to plant is in spring or fall.

About light

Similar to other photinias, the red tip photinia needs full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. This plant does best in well-drained soil that is kept moist. Once established, the red tip photinia is quite drought tolerant. This plant does not like to be over-watered, as this can lead to leaf drop.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for the Red Tip Photinia is quite high. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the plant will start to experience some stress and may even die. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature condition when growing this plant.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-60%. If the humidity level drops below 40%, the leaves may turn brown and crisp. If the humidity level rises above 60%, the leaves may become yellow and fall off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a high nitrogen fertilizer that is applied regularly. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every other week during the growing season. In terms of roots, red tip photinia have shallow roots that spread wide, so they will benefit from mulching.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your red tip photinia healthy and attractive. Regular pruning helps to control the size and shape of the plant, and can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for red tip photinia is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is approximately 6-8 inches in length. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. The bottom leaves should be removed and the remaining leaves should be cut in half. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in an area with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and new growth will appear.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. However, individual growth rates may vary depending on the specific plant. For example, some red tip photinia may grow quickly when they are first planted, but then their growth may slow down.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are Korean powdery mildew, spider mites, and aphids. The best way to prevent these problems is to plant the photinia in an area with full sun and good air circulation.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing photinia in containers, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and has drainage holes.
  • Plant photinia in well-drained, fertile soil.
  • Photinia prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
  • Water regularly during the growing season, and provide extra water during periods of drought.
  • Feed photinia monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  • Prune photinia annually to shape and control growth.
  • Photinia is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, so inspect plants regularly and take prompt action if problems are found.
  • Remove and destroy affected leaves or stems if photinia is infected with a disease.
  • Control pests such as aphids, scale, and mites with regular applications of an appropriate insecticide.
  • Consult a local nursery or agricultural extension office for specific advice on growing photinia in your area.

Related Plants

  • Red Tip Photinia serratifolia
  • Red Tip Photinia villosa
  • Red Tip Photinia robusta
  • Red Tip Photinia oblata
  • Red Tip Photinia candida
  • Red Tip Photinia alba
  • Red Tip Photinia corymbosa
  • Red Tip Photinia crassifolia
  • Red Tip Photinia dasyantha
  • Red Tip Photinia ericoides

Source:
Red Tip Photinia Diseases
Photinia × fraseri - UDBG
Photinia x fraseri (Fraser Photinia, Red tip) - American University …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category