Red Tip Photinia & the Scientific Name

History

• First introduced in the mid-1900s, it was immediately in demand and planted en masse throughout the South, creating an overabundance in the landscape. When entomosporium leaf spot, prevalent in warm humid regions, began to infect it in the late 1900s, it spread quickly. Plants that could be saved had to be treated often, further lessening their appeal. But because of the plant's brilliant red foliage, some people still plant it today in areas not infected by the disease.

Culture

• It’s a low-maintenance plant primarily grown as a shrub but can be pruned into tree form. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall with a 5 to 8 feet spread. Red tip photinia is an exceptionally durable plant that grows in nearly all soil types, including poor soils. Waterlogged soils and close spacing, however, lead to fungal problems. It prefers full sun in cooler climates and part shade to full sun in warmer climates and is not salt-tolerant. Red tip photinia weathers extreme heat as long as it has proper watering. The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council lists the plant as an invasive species.

Problems

• The primary reason for the decline of red tip photinia is entomosporium leaf spot, a fungus that thrives in humid, rainy conditions. It causes defoliation and eventual death, if left untreated. A fungicide containing chlorothalonil, propiconazole or myclobutanil will control the disease, but fungicides do not kill the fungus; they only limit the spread of it, and the plant must be treated every seven to 14 days. This has led many owners to replace it with cultivars that are resistant to the disease.

Cultivars

• Photinia cracklin’ red “Red Tip,” which thrives in USDA zones 7 and warmer, is ideal for humid climates. It is disease-resistant, including entomosporium, and has the signature cherry-red new growth that red tip photinia is sought after for. It is smaller in stature, growing just 5 to 6 feet tall, and spreads 6 to 9 feet wide. It likes full sun making it an excellent screening shrub that is vibrant in color.

  Photinia x fraseri “Red Robin,” hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, also has the notable red flush of foliage in the spring for two to three weeks, but it can be extended by pruning to encourage new growth, which appears red. It has white flowers in summer and grows to a height of up to 12 feet and an equally wide spread. It is more resistant to entomosporium leaf spot than red tip photinia, but is susceptible to it.