Pink Marble Photinia Photinia × fraseri Pink Marble = 'Cassini' (v)
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ABOUT
Pink Marble Photinia, known by its cultivar name 'Cassini', is a visually striking plant that boasts a multi-seasonal palette of colors on its foliage. The leaves themselves are perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of this plant, emerging in bright shades of pink and red before maturing to a display of green with creamy white and pink marble-like variegations. The new growth in spring especially stands out with its reddish-pink vibrancy, making the plant a dynamic addition to any garden. Throughout the seasons, the leaves may change in intensity and pattern of variegation but remain a central attractive feature of the Pink Marble Photinia. In addition to its colorful leaves, the plant occasionally bears small, white flowers that typically bloom in clusters. These flowers can add another layer of visual interest but are often considered less showy compared to the bold statement made by its foliage. After the flowering season, small red to dark berries may appear, providing yet another textural element to the plant's overall appearance. The berries hold an appeal for various bird species, adding to the plant's wildlife-friendly attributes. The branching structure of Pink Marble Photinia is dense and bushy, formulating a backdrop that is rich in texture. The leaves, tightly packed on the stems, give it a lush, full appearance that works wonderfully as a hedge or a stand-alone specimen. Its color and form make it a versatile choice for enhancing gardens and landscapes with a touch of drama and year-round visual appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pink Marble Photinia, Fraser Photinia, Red Tip Photinia, Variegated Photinia
Common names
Photinia × fraseri Pink Marble 'Cassini' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Photinia 'Pink Marble' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information on the specific cultivar 'Cassini' regarding its toxicity. However, for Photinia in general, there are few reports of poisoning in humans. If parts of the plant were ingested in large quantities, there could be potential for stomach upset or other digestive disturbances, as is common with many ornamental plants not intended for consumption. It is always advisable to exercise caution and prevent ingestion of plant material not known to be safe for human consumption.
To pets
Photinia 'Pink Marble' may not be widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets, but as with many ornamental plants, it can potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested. There is limited specific information on the 'Cassini' cultivar's toxicity to pets. However, pets, particularly dogs and cats, may experience vomiting or diarrhea if they consume parts of the Photinia plant. While it is not known to be highly toxic, it is generally recommended to keep pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet [1.8-3 m]
Spread
5-8 feet [1.5-2.4 m]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its variegated pink, green, and white leaves.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established and is quite hardy.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen nature ensures that it provides color and structure throughout all seasons.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of withstanding periods of low water availability once established.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to many common pests and diseases.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, from clay to loam.
- Fast Growth: Has a quick growth rate, allowing for rapid establishment and screening.
- Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds with its berries, providing both food and shelter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photinia 'Pink Marble' branches can be used in floral arrangements, especially when the shrub is in full bloom, to add a splash of color and unique texture to bouquets.
- The dense foliage of Photinia 'Pink Marble' can be used to create privacy screens or hedges in gardens and landscapes, obscuring unsightly structures or creating private outdoor spaces.
- The wood of mature Photinia 'Pink Marble' can be carved or turned to create small wooden objects such as decorative items or handles for tools.
- Photinia 'Pink Marble' can be shaped into topiary forms, providing a living sculpture that adds character and interest to formal gardens.
- The bright red young leaves of the 'Pink Marble' variety can be incorporated into landscape designs as a natural way to add seasonal color, especially in the spring.
- Photinia 'Pink Marble' can be planted to stabilize soil on slopes or banks, as its root system helps to reduce soil erosion.
- The plant can be used in theme gardens, such as 'pink' gardens where flowers and foliage display various shades of pink, creating a cohesive visual theme.
- Dried leaves of Photinia 'Pink Marble' can be used for crafts, such as leaf printing or creating natural potpourri mixes.
- Photinia 'Pink Marble' can act as a natural windbreak when planted in rows, reducing wind speed in exposed areas of the garden.
- The dense growth habit of the plant can be used as a living barrier to delineate pathways or separate different sections within a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pink Marble Photinia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Marble Photinia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Pink Marble Photinia, with its hardy nature and evergreen leaves, symbolizes resilience and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
- Growth: As a fast-growing plant, it represents swift growth and expansion, akin to personal or professional development.
- Change: The changing colors of Pink Marble Photinia’s foliage, from pink to green, symbolize transformation and adaptability to life’s changes.
- Protection: With its dense growth habit, it can serve as a natural barrier, symbolizing protection and the creation of safe spaces.
- Beauty: The plant’s striking variegated leaves signify beauty and appreciation for the aesthetic.
WaterThe Pink Marble Photinia should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Depending on factors like temperature and soil type, this may mean watering every 7-10 days, providing about 1-2 gallons of water for each plant. This deep watering technique encourages deeper root growth. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, as consistent moisture but not soggy conditions is key. During the growing season, water more frequently, and cut back in the winter when the plant's water needs decrease.
LightPink Marble Photinia thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperaturePink Marble Photinia prefers temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as 10°F for short periods. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme heat or frost can be damaging, so protect the plant during severe weather conditions.
PruningPrune Pink Marble Photinia to maintain shape and promote dense growth; this is often done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Removing dead or diseased branches can be done anytime. It can be pruned to desired height, typically 1-2 feet shorter than the desired final height to allow for growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Pink Marble Photinia should be well-draining, fertile, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 to 7. Amending garden soil with compost and a mix of perlite or sand can achieve this. Mulch can help maintain soil moisture.
RepottingPink Marble Photinia, being a larger shrub, doesn't require frequent repotting when planted in the ground. It may only need repotting every 4-5 years if grown in a container, preferably in spring.
Humidity & MistingPink Marble Photinia thrives with average outdoor humidity levels. The plant does not have specific humidity requirements but generally prefers conditions that mimic its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, water thoroughly, ensure good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, shelter from strong winds, mulch roots.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Photinia × fraseri Pink Marble, commonly known as Fraser Photinia, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in suitable soil conditions, typically requiring warmth and moisture. Once the seedling emerges, it enters a period of vegetative growth, characterized by the development of roots, stems, and leaves, allowing it to capture sunlight and nutrients for photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive stage, producing distinctive pink and white variegated leaves that grow to become evergreen foliage, and in spring blooms with clusters of small, white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers may develop into small, round, inedible fruits called pomes if the conditions are right, which may be dispersed by animals or decay to release seeds back into the soil. Over many years, with the right care and conditions, the Fraser Photinia can grow into a large shrub or small tree, and with proper pruning, it maintains an attractive shape and dense foliage. As a perennial, the plant goes through cycles of growth and dormancy in response to seasonal changes, with the potential to live for many years until it eventually declines due to old age, environmental stresses, or disease.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Photinia × fraseri 'Pink Marble', also known as the Pink Marble Photinia, can be effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most commonly practiced in late summer. To do this, select healthy, disease-free stems that have started to mature but are not yet fully hardened. Cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem with a sharp, sanitized pair of pruning shears, making sure that there are at least two to three sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will form. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. Maintain a humid environment by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new photinia can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
