Photinia x fraseri

Photinia x fraseri

Common name: Fraser photinia

Family: Rosaceae

Leaf: leathery, elliptic to oval, dark green leaves, 3-4" long, with finely serrated margins, evergreen, emergent foliage reddish

Flowers: small, 5-petaled white flowers, up to 0.3" across, blooming in late April, in wide, corymbose panicles that are 5-6" diameter

Fruit: red pome that persists over winter

Habit: large evergreen shrub; Form: rounded, mounded

Culture: Winter hardy to USDA zones 7-9. Hardy down to Zone 6 with some protection. Grow in full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Can tolerate full shade but more susceptible to leaf spot and will probably flower less. Somewhat drought tolerant once established. Does not like wet, poorly drained soils. Can be propagated by leaf cuttings. Site in areas with good air circulation. Can prune in winter to thin out a bit (to promote better air circulation). Can prune after emergent red foliage begins to fade in spring to encourage more new red growth, if this is a desired effect. Keep in mind flowers have a very unpleasant aroma and can be pruned out before blooming if desired. 

Uses: hedge, screen, borders and woodland gardens, specimen

Origin: garden origin

Fraser x photinia 'Red Robin'