How Far Apart to Plant Red Tip Photinia Shrubs

Spacing

• Photinia shrubs need good airflow to prevent the development of leaf spot fungus. The minimum spacing for your photinias for good air circulation is 36 inches. A 36-inch spacing will make a dense hedge, but you can space them up to 60 inches and still grow a full hedge. The shrubs grow and fill in quickly and, if not pruned, will reach widths of over 10 feet. Allowing more space allow between individual shrubs reduces the likelihood of fungal disease.

Staggered Planting

• Staggered planting allows you to keep your photinia shrubs spaced widely, while allowing your hedge to fill in sooner. With staggered planting, you will have two rows of photinia shrubs. Space the rows 2 to 3 feet apart. In one row, plant your photinias 3 to 5 feet apart. In the other row, plant the shrubs so they line up with the gaps between the shrubs in the planted row. This planting method takes up a great deal of space and works best in large gardens.

Planting the Shrubs

• Because red tip photinias grow well in clay, sand or loamy soils and in a wide variety of pH levels, you don't need to amend the soil before planting. Dig a hole that is 10 to 12 inches wider and as deep as the root ball of your photinia shrub. Have a friend hold the shrub upright and level while you fill in the hole. Water the shrubs well when you have finished planting them and add a 1- or 2-inch layer of compost or mulch around the plants to keep weeds down.

Photinia Care

• Photinias are tough shrubs that require little care. During hot, dry weather, water the shrubs when the soil is dry. To control the size and shape of the shrubs and to improve air circulation around them, prune your photinia in the spring. Use hedge clippers to cut the plant into the shape you want. Then use loppers or pruning clippers to remove any dead branches, branches that cross other branches and unhealthy stems.