Red Robin Photinia × fraseri Louise = 'Mclarlou' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Red Robin is a vibrant and eye-catching shrub. Its most striking feature is the brilliant red color of the young leaves, which emerge in a flush of bright hues, gradually transforming to a rich, glossy green as they mature. The contrast between the new and old foliage creates a stunning visual display that can add interest to any garden setting. Each leaf is oval-shaped and maintains a neat, clean edge, contributing to the plant's well-kept appearance. In the springtime, the Red Robin produces clusters of small white flowers, which add a delicate, decorative touch to the shrub. The blossoms are attractive to pollinators and can be a lively hub for bees and other beneficial insects. After the flowering season, small berry-like fruits may develop, though they are not particularly prominent and are often obscured by the dense foliage. The overall form of the Red Robin is dense and bushy, providing a full and lush appearance. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for creating hedges or as a stand-alone feature in the landscape. The plant’s ability to provide year-round interest with its changing leaf colors, flowering period, and structural form makes it a valuable addition to any garden that seeks a balance of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Red Robin, Christmas Berry, Fraser Photinia
Common names
Photinia × fraseri Louise = 'Mclarlou' (PBR) (v).
ToxicityTo humans
The Red Robin, which is a common name for Photinia × fraseri, generally has low toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly in large quantities, might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not known to be severely toxic. However, individual reactions can vary, and it is advisable to seek medical attention if any symptoms arise following ingestion.
To pets
The Red Robin, also known as Photinia × fraseri, is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, if ingested in significant amounts, it might cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances in animals such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, the severity of symptoms can depend on the amount ingested and the individual pet's sensitivity. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is showing symptoms of distress, consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Features striking red young leaves that turn dark green with age, providing a vibrant display of color through the seasons.
- Dense Foliage: Provides privacy and acts as an effective natural screen or hedge when planted in rows.
- Easy Maintenance: Photinia is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for various landscapes with less water availability.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, which lessens the need for chemical treatments.
- Growth Habit: Possesses a naturally neat growth habit, reducing the need for frequent shaping and trimming.
- Adaptable: Photinia can thrive in a variety of soil types, from clay to loam, as long as there is adequate drainage.
- Suitable for Urban Environments: It can withstand some level of urban pollution, making it a good choice for city gardens and street plantings.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees, and the berries may attract birds, promoting biodiversity.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the year with evergreen leaves, spring blossoms, and fall berries.
- Fast-Growing: Photinia grows relatively quickly, which can provide faster results for gardens and landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' can be used as a privacy screen due to its dense foliage when planted in a row along property boundaries.
- It's often employed in topiary gardens, as 'Red Robin' can be shaped into various decorative forms through regular pruning.
- 'Red Robin' serves as an effective windbreak when planted in multiples, which can help protect more delicate plantings.
- The wood of 'Red Robin' can be used for small woodworking projects after proper treatment, like making decorative walking sticks.
- During Christmas, branches of 'Red Robin' with its red young leaves are used for festive decorations and wreaths.
- Photinia 'Red Robin' is sometimes used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding subtle color variations based on the processing method.
- Gardeners might use the dense foliage of 'Red Robin' to provide a protective habitat for beneficial insects and birds within a garden.
- When dried, the leaves of 'Red Robin' can be used to create a scented sachet that imparts a subtle fragrance to closets or drawers.
- The plant can be used in noise-reduction schemes in urban areas because its thick foliage can help absorb sound waves.
- The fast-growing nature of 'Red Robin' makes it useful for quick landscaping projects to establish a mature garden look swiftly.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Robin is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Robin is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Growth: The Photinia × fraseri, commonly known as Red Robin, is a fast-growing plant, often symbolizing personal growth or expansion in one's life.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, the Red Robin is sometimes considered a symbol of protection, providing a shield against external negativity or harm.
- Renewal: Each spring, Red Robin's new red leaves can symbolize renewal and the start of a new cycle, much like the new opportunities and beginnings in life.
- Adaptability: As the Red Robin is adaptable to various environments, it may represent the ability to thrive in diverse situations and the importance of adaptability in life.
- Boundaries: The Red Robin is commonly used for hedges, symbolizing setting boundaries and the importance of privacy.
WaterRed Robin, as Photinia × fraseri Louise is commonly known, requires consistent moisture but does not do well in waterlogged soil. It should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage root development. During the growing season, water approximately once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. It's important to adjust the frequency based on rainfall and check the soil moisture to prevent overwatering. In the winter, reduce watering since the plant's water needs decrease.
LightRed Robin thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor growth and reduced foliage quality.
TemperatureRed Robin prefers a moderate temperature range and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 0°F and can cope with heat as long as it is well-watered. For ideal growth, maintain temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning Red Robin fosters a strong plant structure, encourages new growth, and maintains an attractive shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. It's also beneficial to prune after a flush of growth to encourage additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Robin appreciates well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of loam and compost or well-rotted manure will provide nutrients and proper structure. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.
RepottingRed Robin should be repotted every 3-5 years or when it has outgrown its pot to ensure healthy growth and prevent root-bound conditions from arising.
Humidity & MistingRed Robin thrives in average humidity conditions typical for outdoor environments but does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown indoors or outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and occasional pruning for size.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Photinia × fraseri Louise, commonly known as Pink Marble Photinia, begins with seed germination, where seedlings emerge from the stratified seeds often in a controlled nursery setting. This is followed by the growth stage where the plant establishes its root system and develops foliage—characterized by its red young leaves that turn green as they mature. As the Pink Marble Photinea reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage, typically offering small white flowers in clusters, attracting pollinators and occasionally setting small fruits if pollination is successful. The mature plant then enters a maintenance phase of continuous growth and seasonal flowering, requiring pruning to maintain its shape and promote vibrant foliage. If grown in optimal conditions, the plant can live for several years, during which it may be propagated through cuttings to create new plants. Towards the end of its life cycle, growth slows, and it becomes more susceptible to pests, diseases, or environmental stresses until it eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', commonly known as 'Red Robin', is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the late summer to early fall when the new growth has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and contain several leaf nodes. After cutting, the lower leaves should be removed, and the base of the cutting is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-drained potting mix or a propagating medium. The environment should be kept humid, which is sometimes achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or using a mist system, and at a constant temperature. With proper care, the cuttings will start to root in several weeks, after which they can eventually be transplanted.
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