Family: Rosaceae

Comprising around 60 species from eastern and Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and western North America, this genus of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs is grown for its beautiful new foliage or autumn colour. The new growth of many varieties is bright pinky red. The simple, glossy, toothed leaves turn red as the weather cools and the clusters of insignificant, pungent, white, spring flowers are followed by red or dark blue berries. Photinias are popular hedging plants, at their best in mild areas.

Species

P. x fraseri 'Robusta' is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub, to around 5 m (16 ft), with bronze-red young leaves, becoming large with age. The flowers are larger than those of other types.

P. x fraseri 'Rubens', red-leaf photinia, is an evergreen shrub growing 4-5 m (13-16 ft) high. The new foliage is a brilliant red, maturing to green.

P. serratifolia, Chinese hawthorn, is a small, evergreen tree, growing to around 7 m (23 ft), though it can be clipped to form a hedge. The serrated, dark green leaves have a bronze tint in spring, and the small white flowers are followed by small, red berries which are attractive to birds.

Cultivation

A position in full sun ensures good foliage colour and compact growth. The soil must be well drained and preferably enriched with organic matter. Photinias will not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils. Mulch plants with well-decayed compost or manure and give complete plant food in spring and midsummer. Plants grown as hedges must be regularly fed and mulched because of the intense root competition. Regular, deep watering during dry spring or summer conditions is essential. Any hard pruning should be done in late winter but regular, light shearing should ensure an almost continuous display of the bright pinky red new growth. Species can be grown from seed and all can be grown from firm tip cuttings taken during summer.

Climate

Zone 8, but zone 7 for P. serratifolia.