Fraser Photinia, Red Tip

Summary

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 20 feet

Spread: 10 feet

Shape: Upright

Red tip is a large evergreen shrub. Newly emerging foliage is red and quite showy for a few weeks after which it changes to glossy, dark green. Clusters of white flowers occur in late spring. This plant is widely used in the south as a hedge. Unfortunately, this plant is overused in the landscape and is also susceptible to a serious leaf spot disease.

Plant Needs

Zone: 7 (6b) to 9

Light: Partial shade to full sun

Moisture: Moist or dry

Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay

pH Range: 3.7 to 7.3

Functions

Suggested uses for this plant include hedge, massing, screen, and border.

Planting Notes

Adaptable to a wide range of soil pH.

Select site with well-drained soil and good air circulation.

Care

Easy to grow.

Withstands severe pruning.

Problems

Susceptible to several problems including mildew, leaf spots, fireblight, scale insects, and a few other insects. Entomosporium leaf spot is especially prevalent and injurious in spring when conditions that favor fungal growth are prevalent.

Winter injury is likely in cooler areas (6a and lower) of Virginia.

Alternatives

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of Photinia x fraseri:

No important cultivars.

Comments

Red Tip is seen everywhere in the south because it is easy to grow and tolerates poor growing conditions.

The flower odor of unpruned plants is obnoxious to some people and should be considered before planting close to walkways and entrances.

Most often used as a hedge or screen.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation.