Photinia serratifolia ‘Crunchy’ – A Bold Evergreen with Textured Foliage

Photinia serratifolia ‘Crunchy’ is an exciting, modern variety of Photinia that combines all the toughness of the genus with a fresh twist in foliage design. Unlike the classic smooth-leaved types, ‘Crunchy’ boasts long, serrated leaves with a distinctive crinkled texture, creating a striking and unusual appearance. Young shoots emerge with warm bronze-red tones before maturing to a deep, glossy green, offering year-round colour and structure in the garden.

This robust evergreen shrub has a dense, upright habit, making it ideal for hedging, screening, or as a bold specimen plant. Its resilience, combined with its ornamental charm, has quickly made it a favourite for gardeners seeking something both practical and visually striking.

General Information

Photinia serratifolia (sometimes known as Chinese Photinia) is native to East Asia and widely grown for its glossy evergreen foliage and adaptability. The ‘Crunchy’ cultivar is a standout thanks to its unique textured leaves that add extra character and impact to gardens.

• Growth habit: Dense, upright, and bushy, naturally forming a strong structure

• Height & spread: Typically 2–3m tall and 1.5–2m wide, though it can be clipped smaller

• Foliage: Distinctively serrated, crinkled leaves; bronze-red when young, maturing to glossy green

• Flowers: Creamy-white clusters may appear in spring, attractive to pollinators

• Position: Best in full sun or partial shade for richest colour

• Hardiness: Fully hardy, tolerates frost and a range of conditions

• Soil: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging

• Uses: Perfect for hedging, screening, structural planting, or as a specimen shrub

Its bold foliage and strong presence make ‘Crunchy’ particularly effective in contemporary gardens or anywhere a striking, structural evergreen is needed.

Care Guide

Like other Photinias, ‘Crunchy’ is easy to grow and responds well to regular pruning, making it versatile and long-lived with only a little care.

Planting

• Choose a sunny or lightly shaded site with well-drained soil.

• Enrich the planting hole with compost or organic matter.

• Space plants around 80–100cm apart if creating a hedge.

• Water well after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant, needing water only in extended dry spells.

• Feed in spring with a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth and colour.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Responds extremely well to pruning, which encourages fresh, colourful new growth.

• Best trimmed in late spring or early summer after the first flush of growth.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems to maintain good airflow.

• For hedges, prune 1–2 times per year to maintain shape and density.

Protection

• Fully hardy but prefers a sheltered spot in colder regions.

• Watch for leaf spot in damp conditions; prune to improve air circulation if needed.

• Mulch annually to conserve soil moisture and boost soil health.

Why Choose Photinia ‘Crunchy’?

This modern Photinia variety is more than just practical – it’s a real statement plant. Its textured foliage and bold red-to-green colour shifts bring personality and structure to gardens, while its resilience makes it suitable for a wide range of sites.

• Distinctive look: Crinkled, serrated leaves unlike any other Photinia

• Year-round interest: Evergreen foliage with colourful new growth

• Versatile use: Perfect for hedges, screens, or feature planting

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, resilient, and easy to grow

• Wildlife-friendly: Spring flowers attract pollinators

Photinia serratifolia ‘Crunchy’ is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a tough, reliable evergreen with a unique twist. Whether planted as a hedge or as a bold specimen shrub, it will bring structure, vibrancy, and a touch of the unexpected to your outdoor space.

• Size
  30-40

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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