How Long for the Photinia Serrulata to Grow to Maturity?

Growth

• Chinese photinia grows naturally as a multistemmed shrub, although it also does well when pruned to one or two trunks, growing as a small tree with a broad, attractive canopy. The plant usually reaches a height at maturity of 15 to 20 feet, although it can become as tall as 40 feet under ideal conditions. Considered a moderate- to fast-growing plant, Chinese photinia typically grows about 1 to 2 feet each year, taking 10 to 20 years to reach maturity, although this also depends to some extent on the conditions under which it grows.

Site Selection

• Chinese photinia is an evergreen that has shiny, dark green leaves tinged with pink when they first appear. Its young twigs and branches are red or reddish-brown, and it develops 8-inch-wide clusters of showy white flowers at branch tips in spring or early summer. The plant grows best in full sun, but can also do well in partial shade, especially in areas with strong, hot summer sun, where an entire day of sun can scorch its leaves and flowers. This plant doesn't tolerate salty air or salt spray, and isn't a good choice for a coastal garden. It also grows best in a spot sheltered from strong winds, which can dry its showy flowers and foliage and cause general damage during cold weather.

Soil and Water

• Chinese photinia grows in any type of garden soil that's well-drained, but prefers an organically rich loam. You can increase your soil's organic content by adding some compost at planting, which also improves its fertility. The plant does poorly in soil that stays wet or soggy for long periods, so if your soil is rich in clay and tends to hold water, add some fine sand at planting to improve its drainage. It is quite tolerant of drought once established, but grows well when a young plant if given even moisture and extra water during dry spells.

Problems

• Chinese photinia isn't susceptible to any serious insect pests, but may attract mites or scale insects. Spraying occasionally with a ready-to-use horticultural oil effectively controls scale. If a mite infestation causes loss of leaves, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap, diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per 1 gallon of water. This plant is resistant to most fungal problems that can affect other types of photinia, but it is susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot, which causes circular red spots and eventually destroys leaves. This is best controlled by choosing a planting spot that has excellent air circulation, clearing dead leaves and debris from under the plant regularly, and watering only with a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the leaves dry.