Caring For Photinia

Characteristics

• The red tip plant is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and an equivalent width when mature. Its leaves are bronze- to copper-red when they first appear in spring and remain brightly colored for about three weeks. They mature to a deep, glossy green, covering the shrub in dense foliage. Clusters of tiny white flowers appear in late April, followed by small red fruits that last on the plant through fall and winter.

Sun and Water

• Red tip does well in a location that gets full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, a spot that gets morning sun followed by light afternoon shade is ideal. The plant can also grow in full shade, but produces fewer flowers and could become a bit leggy and have less dense foliage without adequate sun. It also does best in a spot that stays evenly moist, but will tolerate dry spells once established. During periods of drought, give the plant extra water to prevent damage to leaves and flowers. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch can also help conserve soil moisture, but use a nonorganic mulch such as gravel or pea stone that doesn’t stay wet for long periods to help prevent fungal problems.

Soil

• Red tip tolerates any type of garden soil that’s well-drained, but prefers organically rich loam. Adding compost or composted manure at planting can boost your soil’s fertility and help the plant grow well. If your soil contains clay and tends to hold water for long periods, add some fine sand at planting to improve its drainage. When choosing a site for your red tip, don’t plant it in a spot where soil tends to stay soggy and wet for long periods, because this can promote root rot and other potentially serious problems.

Pruning and Problems

• Red tip develops a naturally pleasing shape and doesn’t require regular pruning, but you can cut back a plant to help control its size. This is best done in winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Prune back branches by about 1/3 to keep the plant's size within bounds and stimulate branching, which also helps produce a dense and bushy form. You can also prune the plant in summer, once foliage has turned green, stimulating the plant to develop new, bright red growth tips. Red tip is susceptible to a fungal disease called leaf spot, which can cause loss of leaves and damage the plant. This is best controlled by planting the shrub in a spot that has good air circulation, clearing debris from the ground under the plant regularly and using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water the plant, keeping leaves as dry as possible.