Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' – Hedge Planting & Care Guide

About Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', commonly known as Red Robin, is one of the most popular evergreen hedging shrubs thanks to its brilliant scarlet-red young foliage, which gradually matures to glossy dark green. This colourful display is repeated several times a year after pruning, providing year-round interest and making it an excellent alternative to traditional evergreen hedging.

In spring, mature plants may also produce clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, followed occasionally by red berries if left unpruned. Fast-growing and easy to maintain, Red Robin forms a dense, attractive hedge that provides excellent screening, privacy and shelter.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, clay and sandy soils with good drainage.
• Dig a trench or individual planting holes twice the width of the root balls.
• Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil before planting.
• Plant with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Firm the soil gently and water thoroughly after planting.
• Apply a mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Recommended Hedge Spacing

• 60–75cm (2–2½ft) apart for a dense hedge.
• This equates to approximately 1.5–2 plants per metre.

Care & Maintenance

Photinia 'Red Robin' is easy to establish and requires minimal maintenance.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
• Feed each spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
• Keep the hedge free from weeds while young.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently.

Pruning

Regular pruning encourages the brightest red new growth and keeps the hedge dense.

• Trim once or twice each year.
• The main pruning period is late spring or early summer, after the first flush of growth.
• A second light trim in late summer encourages another flush of vibrant red foliage.
• Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches as required.
• Avoid pruning during very cold weather.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'
• Common Name: Red Robin
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height (Unpruned): 4–5 metres
• Spread (Unpruned): 3–4 metres
• Hedge Height: Easily maintained between 1.2–3 metres
• Flower Colour: Creamy white
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Foliage: Bright red young growth maturing to glossy dark green
• Growth Rate: Fast (approximately 30–45cm per year)
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Photinia 'Red Robin' is one of the most versatile evergreen shrubs.

• Formal hedging
• Privacy screening
• Boundary planting
• Windbreaks
• Mixed shrub borders
• Specimen shrub
• Patio containers (young plants)
• Contemporary gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Urban and coastal gardens

It combines beautifully with Laurel, Portuguese Laurel, Viburnum, Griselinia, Escallonia, Hebe and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Brilliant scarlet-red young foliage appears in spring.
• New red growth continues after each trim throughout the growing season.
• Glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round structure.
• Creamy-white flowers appear on untrimmed mature plants in spring.
• Dense foliage creates excellent privacy and shelter all year round.

Common Problems

Photinia 'Red Robin' is generally healthy and reliable.

• Leaf spot can occasionally occur in damp conditions; remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.
• Root rot may develop in poorly drained soils.
• Aphids may feed on young red shoots.
• Frost can occasionally damage fresh spring growth, but plants usually recover quickly.
• Planting in well-drained soil, avoiding overhead watering and pruning regularly will help maintain a healthy, dense hedge.

With its vibrant red new foliage, glossy evergreen leaves and fast growth, Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' is one of the finest evergreen hedging plants for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, it creates an attractive, colourful hedge that provides year-round privacy, shelter and seasonal interest

• Size
  2 Ltr

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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