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Wellington Fields Allotments - Hixon.

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Photinia Red Robin.

Photinias make up a genus of about 50 different species that can be found in the temperate region across Asia going from the Himalaya eastwards to Japan and as far south as India and Thailand. However, they are widely cultivated ornamentals that can be shrubs, or small trees, evergreen or deciduous. Interestingly, Pyracantha, Cotoneaster and Hawthorn are all closely related. Photinias may be grown as specimen trees or even hedges with some varieties getting up to 15m while most are much smaller. Some of the Evergreen varieties have foliage that is vivid red when young, and many having deciduous leaves are colourful in the spring and summer often turning red in the Autumn before the leaves drop. Most Photinias have small white flowers followed by red berries with one of the best known varieties being the evergreen Photinia Fraseri ‘Red Robin.’ This widely grown plant has leaves that are a bold red colour when young. and is grown as either a specimen shrub or a hedge that can reach up to 15 feet.

Photinias prefer a warm, sheltered spot that does not get waterlogged as Frost can damage young growth. For this reason, although pruning can be done with secateurs and not shears, it shouldn’t be done after August as the new growth, that will come, may well be damaged by any frost. Pruning does however, promote a dense growth pattern that is ideal for hedges.

Not only are Photinias sensitive to Frost damage, but there are a number of problems that they can be afflicted with. These are Powdery Mildew, Fireblight and Weevils They do have a small berry like fruit that is eaten by birds, but some varieties have toxic leaves that contain cyanide compounds.