Red-tip photinia Photinia x fraseri
Red-tip photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Hybrid of Photinia glabra and P. serratifolia (raised in Alabama, USA, 1940). It grows 2–4.5 m (6.6–15 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Red-tip photinia in your garden →
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Red-tip photinia at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4.5 m (6.6–15 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Hybrid of Photinia glabra and P. serratifolia (raised in Alabama, USA, 1940) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Red-tip photinia toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, fruit
Foliage and fruit contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and may cause mild stomach upset.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red-tip photinia
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Firethorn (pyracantha): Pyracantha and Photinia are both susceptible to fireblight, so plantings of the two close together share the same disease pressure. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Fire blight: Fire blight bacteria are carried by bees and rain between apples, pears, quince, hawthorn, cotoneaster and firethorn. Evidence B
Questions about Red-tip photinia
- How far apart should I plant Red-tip photinia?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Red-tip photinia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red-tip photinia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Red-tip photinia?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Red-tip photinia flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red-tip photinia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Foliage and fruit contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and may cause mild stomach upset.
- What grows well with Red-tip photinia?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Often clipped as a hedge, which suppresses flowers; susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot in humid conditions; red flush on new growth.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata