
How big does a red tip photinia get?
How to Grow Red Tip Photinia Botanical Name Photinia x fraseri Common Names Red tip photinia, Fraser photinia Plant Type Shrub Mature Size 10–15 ft. tall and wide Sun Exposure Full, partial 7 more rows ...
How long do photinias flowers last?
Flowers/Fruit: White clusters of flowers 4 to 7 inches across have an unpleasant smell and last about two weeks. Flowers appear in early spring, before those of either red tip or Japanese photinias and are followed by bright red, berrylike fruits.
What is the red-tipped Photinia disease cycle?
The red-tipped photinia disease follows a definite pattern or cycle and it is important to understand this cycle for the treatment of red tip photinia and disease eradication. The fungal spores spend the winter in fallen, infected leaves or in late-emerging, new growth.
When to prune red tip photinia?
Trimming red tip photinia will give your plant the size and shape that you require and will, as stated before, encourage the growth of those lovely red tips. For a plant in good health, when to prune a red tip photinia is largely a matter of how large you want your shrub to be and how red you want to keep it.

Why is my red tip photinia dying?
Entomosporium leaf spot is a common problem for photinia, and it's recognizable by small red spots on both sides of the leaves. Older plants might have larger, dark red, brown or gray spots with rings around the edges. As the disease progresses, the leaves fall off, and the plant can eventually die.
How do you revive a red tip photinia?
The easiest method of photinia rejuvenation is to cut back the entire shrub at one time. Photinia tolerates cutting back to about 6 inches (15 cm.) above the ground. The problem with this type of pruning is that it leaves a gap and ugly stump in the landscape.
How do you save dying photinia?
2:544:37How to Care for a Diseased Red-Tip Photinia - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater at the base. And do not over water or allow water to splash onto the leaves waterlogged soilMoreWater at the base. And do not over water or allow water to splash onto the leaves waterlogged soil and wet leaves promote fungal growth mature leaves are less susceptible to leaf spot than new growth.
Why is my photinia losing its leaves?
When grown in the shade they tend to become drawn and rather straggly and, although like most evergreens they won't tolerate being waterlogged for long, excessively dry locations tend to stress them, making them drop more of the older leaves than they otherwise would.
Why is my red robin plant dying?
The Red Robin is susceptible to fungus both on the leaves and in the roots. The curling of the leaves can be a telltale sign of root fungus, if so, probably from over watering. It can also be a leaf fungus. Take a spade and dig around the roots a bit, if you see white attached to the roots you have a fungus.
Is my photinia dying?
In a matter of days, the spots enlarge and eventually become dark, purplish circles surrounding gray, dying tissue. The photinia fungus usually spreads from new growth to old only because of the new leaves making it easier for the spores to take hold.
Why do red tip photinia leaves turn brown?
Photinia leaf spot fungi rest on trees during winter, waiting for the damp elements of spring to arrive. An infection starts with small, black dots on leaves that can be difficult to see. Within a few weeks, symptoms become more pronounced. The dots grow and turn a brownish-gray color with red outlines.
When should you prune red tip photinia?
Control growth with a 6-inch trim of stray stems. The trim generates new growth, which causes the red color. Trim before late summer so the new growth has a chance to harden off before cooler weather hits. Shape the red tip photinia so there is air flow between the shrub and neighboring plants.
When should photinia be pruned?
Photinias require minimal pruning, but will benefit from the occasional trim in spring or summer to promote dense growth and maintain a good overall shape. Vigorous species can be pruned more regularly to keep them within bounds. Avoid trimming after mid-August, as regrowth would be vulnerable to autumn frosts.
How often should you water a photinia?
Correct watering is critical for any plant, During your Photinia Red Robins' first and second years, water when there is a dry spell. Once established, you should only need to water in severe, prolonged drought. It's easy to spot if your Photinias need water as the leaves begin to droop – just like most other plants.
How do you revive a dying bush?
Fast action is necessary to cure the dying shrub. Pull the soil away from the base of the stems and upper roots. Place fresh soil over the roots after the stems and upper roots dry out. Water the shrub until the soil is wet to a depth of 1 to 2 feet, then allow the soil to dry before watering it again to prevent rot.
Can you hard prune Photinia Red Robin?
If you want a formal hedge and/or to keep its size proportionate to your garden, Photinia Red Robin must be pruned, especially during the early stages. The good news is that it is easy to keep in shape and to size and the plant responds well to both hard and regular pruning.
How do you thicken up a Red Robin?
Pinching out the top shoots will make the smaller ones send out side shoots and thicken up. Keeping those cut once they exceed your desired width will add to the bushiness.
When should you prune red tip photinia?
Control growth with a 6-inch trim of stray stems. The trim generates new growth, which causes the red color. Trim before late summer so the new growth has a chance to harden off before cooler weather hits. Shape the red tip photinia so there is air flow between the shrub and neighboring plants.
When should photinia be pruned?
Photinias require minimal pruning, but will benefit from the occasional trim in spring or summer to promote dense growth and maintain a good overall shape. Vigorous species can be pruned more regularly to keep them within bounds. Avoid trimming after mid-August, as regrowth would be vulnerable to autumn frosts.
How do I plant a Red Tip Photinia?
Plant the American Pillar Arborvitae at 4-foot intervals and you 'll have privacy in a short amount of time. Our “Buy 10 Plants” package will cover...
Why are my Red Tip Photinia bushes dying?
One of the main reasons why a Red Tip Photinia can become diseased is due to a fungal growth that causes Black Leaf Spot. This fungus occurs during...
How often do I water a Red Tip Photinia Shrub?
After planting the Red Tip Photinia Shrub, give it a slow, deep watering. This is important especially during the early stages of being planted in...
How long do Red Tip Photinia bushes live?
This particular shrub is durable and tolerant. When taken care of properly and if it does not get infected by common diseases, such as Black Leaf S...
How long does it take for a red tip photinia to grow?
Red Tip Photinia ( Photinia x fraseri) Leaves: Evergreen leaves are oval in shape and 2¾ to 4 inches long. New growth is bright red. The color lasts two to four weeks before maturing to green. Flowers/Fruit: Small white clusters of flowers with an unpleasant smell appear in mid-spring and are followed by red, berrylike fruits.
What is a red tip photinia?
Photinia (Red Tip) Photinias are large shrubs that were once used for tall hedging here in the south. The most common photinia is the appropriately named “red tip”, which is easily recognized each spring as it sends out its first flush of bright red new leaves.
What causes red spots on the tips of new leaves?
Diseases: Entomosporium leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Entomosporium maculatum, is a severe problem on red tips. Early symptoms consist of small, circular, red spots on both the upper and lower surfaces of new leaves. On heavily diseased leaves, the spots unite to form larger, maroon blotches.
How tall does a purple leaf Chinese fringe flower get?
Purpleleaf Chinese fringe-flower ( Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum) varieties are often smaller, but ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’ grows 8 to 10 feet tall with hot pink flowers in spring. The burgundy leaves help make it a good color substitute for red tips. Both types grow well in sun or part shade and are adaptable to pruning.
What are the leaves of a Japanese photinia?
Japanese Photinia ( Photinia glabra) Leaves: Evergreen leaves are long and oval in shape and 1½ to 3½ inches long. New growth is bronzy-red. Flowers/Fruit: Small white clusters of flowers with an unpleasant smell appear in mid to late spring and are followed by red, berrylike fruits that later turn black.
When do Chinese photinias bloom?
Flowers appear in early spring, before those of either red tip or Japanese photinias and are followed by bright red, berrylike fruits. Size & Growth Rate: Chinese photinia is larger than red tip or Japanese photinia, growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. It may grow even larger with age.
Is Red Tip Photinia a fast growing plant?
It is a moderate to fast growing plant. Culture: While it is an extremely tough and vigorous plant that will grow in almost any soil, (except extremely wet ones), red tip photinia prefers a rich, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade. Good air circulation is a must.
Why is my red tip photinia black?
One of the main reasons why a Red Tip Photinia can become affected by a fungal disease that causes Black Leaf Spot (fungus entomosporium). This fungus occurs during periods of high humidity, around the fall or spring seasons.
What is a photinia shrub?
Photinia shrubs can be used as privacy screens or noise buffers around your home or property, enhancing peaceful seclusion. They will add year-round visual interest, as well as a cost-efficient way to boost the aesthetic and value of your property.
How tall is Fraser Photinia?
Growing Zone: 6-9. Mature Height: 9 to 12 feet (20 feet if left unpruned) Mature Width:
Can you use gas hedgers to prune a photinia bush?
It is generally recommended to not use power equipment, such as gas hedgers, to prune Red Tipped Photinia bushes or any plant.In general gardening terms, pruning is probably the most misunderstood gardening chore, and certainly, the chore that is most likely neglected.
About Red Tip
Red tip is a common evergreen shrub used for foundation plantings, hedges and screens, particularly in the South. New foliage is a brilliant red lasting for two or three weeks before the leaves change to dark green. Fraser's photinia adapts to many different soil types and exposures.
Size and Growth Rate
Red tips are very fast-growing shrubs, attaining 24 to 36 inches per year. They quickly reach their mature height of 8 to 15 feet. Width is one-half to two-thirds the height on unpruned shrubs.
Red Tip Culture
Red tips grow in almost any soil in full sun or light shade. They're less prone to disease and have more intense, red coloration on the new growth in full sun. Feed them lightly in the early spring before new growth begins. Prune red tips only while dormant in the winter.
Photinia Leaf Spot
Fraser's photinia is susceptible to a leaf spot disease caused by the Entomosporium fungus. Red, circular spots on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces characterize this disease. The spots join into larger, maroon blotches. The disease is most prevalent on new growth and during cool, damp weather.
Alternative Shrubs
If your landscape is unsuitable for red tips, or if you don't want to spray fungicides in your garden, other shrubs are good substitutes. Several species of holly (Ilex spp.) are fast growing and have a similar size and shape, including the Koehne holly (I. x koehneana), Burford Chinese holly (I. cornuta "Burfordii") and the Emily Bruner hybrid (I.
What is the red tip photinia?
The red-tipped photinia disease follows a definite pattern or cycle and it is important to understand this cycle for the treatment of red tip photinia and disease eradication. The fungal spores spend the winter in fallen, infected leaves or in late-emerging, new growth.
What is a photinia bush?
Photinias are large shrubs that grow well in the eastern portion of the United States. So well, in fact, they soon became one of the most popular hedge plants in the South. Unfortunately, with the overuse and close planting of red-tipped photinia, disease wasn’t far behind and resulted in constant, yearly attacks by photinia fungus — also known as photinia leaf spot. The red tips of new growth that made these shrubs so popular are particularly vulnerable to the ravages of photinia bush diseases and over the years, photinia leaf spot has destroyed countless shrubs.
How to get rid of photinia fungus?
First and foremost, rake up all fallen leaves, and if the shrub is already infected, remove all affected leaves and branches. Cover the area under and around the shrubs with new mulch to cover any leaf parts and photinia fungus spores that remain. Do not repeatedly trim endangered shrubs to encourage the new, red growth.
What causes red spots on photinia?
Red Tipped Photinia and Disease Symptoms. The main culprit among photinia bush diseases is Entomosporium mespili, the fungus that causes photinia leaf spot. Like most plant fungi, this one thrives in the cool, moist environment of the fall and spring and attacks the most vulnerable new growth that gives the shrub its name, red-tipped photinia, ...
Why does photinia spread from new growth to old?
The photinia fungus usually spreads from new growth to old only because of the new leaves making it easier for the spores to take hold. Once the fungus takes hold in the red-tipped photinia, the disease’s circles continue to grow and merge until large, unsightly “sores” cover the dying leaves.
When do photinia spores come out?
These spores are released into the air in late winter or early spring where they land on any nearby photinia bush. Diseases like this one tend to spread from the bottom to the top of the infected plant because the spores can’t travel that far.
Why are there red spots on my leaves?
Tiny, round, red spots appear on leaf surfaces, and because of the leaf color of the new growth they attack, the darker red spots are easy to ignore. In a matter of days, the spots enlarge and eventually become dark, purplish circles surrounding gray, dying tissue.
How tall is a photinia?
Height – 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 m) Exposure – full sun. Soil – ordinary. Foliage – evergreen. Flowering – spring. Planting, pruning and caring for them are steps that help enhance blooming and growth of your Photinia.
What is a photinia?
Pinterest. Photinia are shrubs that were hybridized by man and are the result of crossing two different species. Developed in New Zealand, they were introduced to the West around 25 years ago. The red-leaved shrub often appears as ornamental shrubs, in beds and in hedges. However, you can also plant it as a standalone.
Why is my photinia not bearing flowers?
Sometimes both are at cause. Pruning was performed at the end of winter, before the blooming – in this case, trimming has cut off flower buds. Try to prune and trim your photinia after the blooming in spring.
Why won't my photinia shrub bear flowers?
Exposure and lack of sunlight – a photinia shrub that is mostly growing in shade won’t bear many flowers, sometimes to the point of not bearing any at all. If under the shade of a taller tree, try thinning the branches of the tree out. This ensures light reaches the photinia shrub.
How to propagate a photinia?
It is possible to propagate your own Photinia through cuttings in summer. Collect stems that are 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Remove lower pairs of leaves, keeping only the topmost one or two pairs. It is possible to dip the cuttings in powdered rooting agents. Plant cuttings in special cutting soil mix.
Do photinias like sun?
Photinia love sun, are hardy (down to 5°F (-15°C)) but also need a lot of water, especially in summer when it is hot and dry. Photinia love sunny or very lightly shaded places. They adapt to most types of soil, except for chalky soil which they don’t like.
Can a photinia be shaped?
Pruning at this particular time will spur the growing of red leaves, but it may impair blooming. Photinia can be shaped freely. You might see some shaped into as cones, balls, or columns…. First, thin older branches to stimulate growth of new shoots, and clear the center so that light can reach it.
What temperature do red tip photinias grow?
Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on May 12, 2011: Hi Genna, It says that the red tip photinias grow in climates that get down to 0 degrees (best in zones 7 to 10) so check with your local nurseries. Parts of New England probably get below 0 degrees F., so I am not sure that they would survive in your climate.
What is a red tip photinia?
Red tip photinias were chosen as a shrub to be planted against the fence and would serve as a green backdrop for the majority of the year . Of course, each spring, we had that blaze of red color for about a month of the year for some additional color in the garden landscape.
How tall do photinias get?
It may never have developed the leaf spot or, even if it had, it might have better recovered. Photinias can grow up to 15 feet (4.7 meters) tall and, when not kept hedged, produce white flowers followed by small red to blackberries later in the year that birds like to eat.
Do Red Tip Photinias grow in the open?
If growing the species called x fraseri in the family of Rosaceae and genus Photinia, which are commonly called Red Tip Photinias, just be advised that when used in outdoor landscaping they like plenty of air circulation and plenty of sunlight. They do make beautiful hedges if kept out in the open and kept trimmed.
Where do red tip photinias grow?
These lovely shrubs grow well in the eastern half of the United States, but have found their greatest appreciation in the South where they are grown close together to form massive hedges of gorgeous red and green.
What to do with a red tip photinia?
Trimming red tip photinia will give your plant the size and shape that you require and will, as stated before, encourage the growth of those lovely red tips. For a plant in good health, when to prune a red tip photinia is largely a matter of how large you want your shrub to be and how red you want to keep it.
What is the best tool to cut back a photinia?
Any type of trimming tool is fine for cutting back photinia shrubs as long as the blades are sharp. Long handled, manual shears or electric hedge clippers work equally well for pruning photinia branches of a half inch (1.5 cm.) diameter or less.
Can you cut back a photinia?
Cutting back photinia shrubs that are single, healthy specimens in these areas or in southern areas that are unaffected by this leaf spot is perfectly okay. For the rest of the world where photinia are grown — trim away!
Can you prune a red tip photinia?
Unless you are growing these shrubs for a wind screen or have a huge amount of garden space, pruning care for a red tip photinia is a must. These are fairly fast-growing plants that can quickly grow out of control and cutting back photinia plants that have outgrown their environment can rejuvenate the shrub and encourage new growth, ...

Symptoms
- If the flower buds have not been removed by early spring pruning, the flowers will open later that season. The clusters of white flowers can be unpleasantly smelly for some people. The flowers give way to small red pome fruit.
Description
- Red tip photinia is a hyrid plant, a cross between Photinia serrulata (Chinese photina) and Photinia glabra (Japanese photinia). P. serrulata is a large sprawling plant, while P. glabra is a much smaller species that features the red-to-green leaf transformation. The hybrid name, P. x fraseri, was assigned because the hybrid was first identified by Fraser's Nursery, of Birmingham, Alaba…
Classification
- Red tip photinia, along with the other photinias, is a part of the Rosaceae family, which includes the fruit trees in the Prunus genus, such as Amelanchier (serviceberries), Malus (apples), Pyrus (pears), Rubus (blackberries, raspberries, etc.), and more.
Management
- Continual pruning of the shoot tips will prompt continued production of the attractive reddish leaves. This does preempt flower production, but this is a shrub normally grown for its foliage, and the flowers have an odor that is not pleasant. Periodic heavy pruning of some branches down to the base will improve air circulation and prevent fungal diseases. If you live in an area with frost…
Uses
- Water the plant once a week at the base during dry periods, and avoid getting the leaves wet. This shrub normally does not require fertilizing, unless the soil is very poor. When feeding is required, use slow-release organic fertilizers.
Risks
- Red tip photinia is a relatively hardy and carefree shrub, but it is susceptible to fungal diseases when conditions are wet or in humid climates. Entomosporium fungus is a particularly big threat. This disease appears as red spots across the leaf surface. If it is not controlled, over time it can overtake the plant and cause many of the leaves to drop, sometimes enough to kill the plant. Yo…
Ecology
- Insects that you may find on this shrub include caterpillars, European fruit-tip moth, mites, and scales.
Environment
- Photinias are large shrubs that grow well in the eastern portion of the United States. So well, in fact, they soon became one of the most popular hedge plants in the South. Unfortunately, with the overuse and close planting of red tipped photinia, disease wasnt far behind and resulted in constant, yearly attacks by photinia fungus also known as pho...
Biology
- The main culprit among photinia bush diseases is Entomosporium mespili, the fungus that causes photinia leaf spot. Like most plant fungi, this one thrives in the cool, moist environment of the fall and spring and attacks the most vulnerable new growth that gives the shrub its name, red tipped photinia, and the disease spreads from there. The photinia fungus wont kill the plant immediatel…
Symptoms
- The first signs of photinia leaf spot are almost unnoticeable. Tiny, round red spots appear on leaf surfaces and because the leaf color of the new growth they attack, the darker red spots are easy to ignore. In a matter of days, the spots enlarge and eventually become dark purplish circles surrounding gray, dying tissue. The photinia fungus usually spreads from new growth to old onl…
Diagnosis
- The red tipped photinia disease follows a definite pattern or cycle and it is important to understand this cycle for the treatment of red tip photinia and disease eradication.
Life cycle
- The fungal spores spend the winter in fallen, infected leaves or in late emerging new growth. These spores are released into the air in late winter or early spring where they land on any nearby photinia bush. Diseases like this one tend to spread from the bottom to the top of the infected plant because the spores cant travel that far. This inability to move any great distance is also th…
Prevention
- Is there anything that can be done about red tip photinia disease? Yes, but its a matter of prevention rather than cure.
Culture
- Do not repeatedly trim endangered shrubs to encourage the new red growth. Keep trimming and shearing confined to the dormant winter months and dispose of all clippings.
Treatment
- There are chemical treatments available. Chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and myclobutanil are the effective ingredients to look for in available fungicides. Be aware, however, treatment must begin early and be repeated every 7-14 days throughout late winter and spring and again in the fall when the weather cools.
Prognosis
- Red tip photinia disease can be devastating, but with diligence and good garden housekeeping practices, the fungus can be driven from your yard.