Pink Crispy Photinia Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy = 'Oploo5' (PBR)
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ABOUT
Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy, commonly known as Chinese Photinia, is characterized by its spectacular foliage which is the most striking feature of this ornamental plant. The leaves exhibit a unique texture that appears almost crunchy, just as the variety name 'Pink Crispy' suggests. Young leaves emerge with a vivid pink hue, adding a burst of color to the plant. As they mature, they transition to green, creating a multi-tonal display that is both eye-catching and dynamic. The adult leaves are serrated along the edges, which contributes to the name 'serratifolia', adding a finely textured look to the foliage. Throughout the growing seasons, the Chinese Photinia maintains its glossy leaves which reflect sunlight and shimmer in the garden. Chinese Photinia also produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers that add to its aesthetic appeal. The blossoms are typically recognized by their sweet fragrance, which can be especially enjoyable during their peak blooming period. After the flowering season, the plant may bear fruit that can be red to dark purple, providing further interest in the landscape. All in all, the Chinese Photinia offers a diverse palette of colors and textures, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to enhance the visual interest of their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pink Crispy Photinia
Common names
Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy = 'Oploo5' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Photinia serratifolia, commonly known as Chinese Photinia, is not widely recognized for being highly toxic to humans. However, it's always prudent to exercise caution, as plant toxicity can vary, and some individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities. If the plant were considered toxic to humans, the symptoms of poisoning might typically include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly skin irritation if handled. If ingested in large quantities, more severe symptoms could potentially occur, which would warrant medical attention.
To pets
Chinese Photinia is not widely recognized for being highly toxic to pets, but as with any plant material, ingestion can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals. Symptoms of poisoning, if any, would typically involve vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. As individual pets can vary in sensitivity, it is generally recommended to keep plants out of reach, and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has eaten any quantity of potentially harmful plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Photinia Pink Crispy offers vibrant foliage with pink and green variegated leaves, adding color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and being tolerant of a range of soil conditions.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the Photinia Pink Crispy can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for dry climates and water-wise gardening.
- Pest Resistance: It has good resistance to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it a safer choice for both the environment and wildlife.
- Growth Habit: With a compact and bushy growth habit, it is ideal for use in hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone specimen, offering structure and form to garden spaces.
- Year-Round Interest: The plant provides year-round interest with its evergreen leaves and seasonal changes in leaf color, ensuring that the garden remains attractive throughout the year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screening: Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy can be used as an attractive, dense hedge for privacy or to create a garden room.
- Windbreak: Due to its thick foliage, it can serve as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants or garden areas from strong winds.
- Noise Reduction: Its dense branches can also help to absorb and reduce noise pollution in a garden or urban setting.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in landscapes prone to losing ground.
- Bonsai: With proper pruning, Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy can be trained as a bonsai for decorative purposes.
- Winter Garden Interest: Its leaves can provide color and texture to an otherwise barren winter garden landscape.
- Conservation Planting: It can be included in conservation mixtures to encourage biodiversity and support wildlife habitats.
- Landscape Art: Garden designers may use this plant for color-blocking in large-scale landscape art designs.
- Topiary Forms: With careful clipping, this plant can be shaped into various topiary forms for ornamental gardens.
- Photography: Its distinctive leaves provide an excellent backdrop for macro and close-up nature photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pink Crispy Photinia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Crispy Photinia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy, commonly known as Pink Crispy Photinia, often has bright red young leaves that turn green with time. This change in color can be symbolic of renewal and the idea of new beginnings.
- Growth: As a perennial shrub that can grow quite large, Pink Crispy Photinia symbolizes growth and the continuous progress of life.
- Protection: With its thick foliage, Pink Crispy Photinia can symbolize shelter and protection, providing a safe haven for birds and other wildlife.
WaterThe Pink Crispy Photinia, commonly known as the Pink Crispy, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage a strong root system, with an emphasis on allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, aim to water about once a week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions. During the hotter months, water requirements may increase; look to provide roughly 1 to 2 gallons per week for a medium-sized plant. Reduce watering in the colder months as the plant's growth slows down and evaporation decreases.
LightThe Pink Crispy Photinia thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. To achieve optimal growth and the lushest foliage, aim to plant it in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. Be mindful to avoid direct, intense afternoon sun in very hot climates, as this may scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe Pink Crispy Photinia is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. While it can survive in temperatures as low as 10°F, it thrives in warmer conditions with an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial.
PruningPruning the Pink Crispy Photinia is important for maintaining its shape and promoting vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune up to one-third of the oldest stems to encourage fresh growth and to maintain an open, airy structure. Additionally, trim out any dead or diseased wood as needed throughout the year to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Crispy Photinia thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and some sand or perlite would provide the ideal texture and fertility for this plant to flourish.
RepottingPink Crispy Photinia should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure continued growth and health. Best done in spring.
Humidity & MistingPink Crispy Photinia prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions, aiming for a humidity level of 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, and good airflow for indoor Pink Crispy Photinia.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, sheltered spot, full sun to partial shade for Pink Crispy Photinia.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cyclePhotinia serratifolia Pink Crispy begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the process is triggered by suitable temperature, moisture, and light conditions. The germinated seedlings then develop through a juvenile phase, forming a rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, characterized by the expansion of foliage and development of the characteristic pink-tinged leaves. With maturity, the plant progresses to the flowering stage, developing clusters of attractive white flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit, small red pomes, that mature to black and contain seeds for reproduction. Finally, with age, the Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy may enter a period of decline, with reduced growth and vigor, eventually leading to senescence and death.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Photinia serratifolia Pink Crispy, commonly known as the Pink Crispy Photinia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. A healthy, disease-free branch is selected and cut into lengths of approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), making sure that each cutting has at least two or three pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed to prevent excess moisture loss, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot containing a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring good contact between the cutting and the mix. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, often achieved by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse environment, until roots have established.
