Christmas berry 'Red Robin' Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'

Water

Red Robin Photinia needs regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they're more drought-tolerant, but still require consistent moisture. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot or dry periods, water twice a week. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall, making sure not to overwater, as this could lead to root rot.

Light

Red Robin Photinia thrives in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, this plant should be situated in a spot where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, which promotes the best leaf color and dense growth. However, it can also tolerate some light shade, particularly in the afternoon to protect from intense summer sun.

Temperature

Red Robin Photinia is hardy in a range of temperatures and can withstand a minimum temperature of around 10°F. The ideal temperature for promoting healthy growth lies between 60°F and 80°F. This plant can survive maximum temperatures of around 100°F but requires adequate moisture during these hot spells to prevent stress.

Pruning

Prune Red Robin Photinia to shape it, remove damaged branches, and promote more of the bright red new growth that makes this plant attractive. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can prune again after the spring growth flush if you wish to encourage a second round of new red leaves. Pruning should be done at least once a year but can be done more frequently if shaping is required.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Red Robin, or Fraser Photinia, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite works well, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5 to maintain optimal health. Regular mulching can help maintain soil quality and moisture levels.

Repotting

Red Robin does not commonly require frequent repotting as it is usually planted outdoors. If grown in containers, young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years to encourage growth. Mature Red Robin plants can sustain longer in the same pot and are repotted less frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Red Robin, or Fraser Photinia, prefers average to high humidity conditions but is quite adaptable to various humidity levels typical of most outdoor environments. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it a versatile shrub for different outdoor settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light; water when topsoil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or part-shade; maintain moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', also known as Red Tip Photinia, begins with the germination of seeds or rooting of cuttings, both of which result in the growth of a new plant. After establishing roots, the plant enters its vegetative stage, where it experiences rapid foliage growth, especially in spring, with new leaves displaying a characteristic bright red color before maturing to green. As the Red Robin matures, it enters the reproductive stage, typically after several years, where it produces small white flowers in clusters during the spring. These flowers, if pollinated, will develop into small, inconspicuous pome fruit. Once the plant has reproduced, it continues to grow and can live for many years, entering a period of maintenance where pruning is essential to control size and shape and encourage the bright red new growth. Over time, older plants may experience reduced vigor and may eventually succumb to environmental stresses or diseases, marking the end of their life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', also commonly known as Red Robin, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, selecting healthy stems that have started to harden but are not yet fully woody. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and warm until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. It’s important to provide a humid environment for the cutting, such as a plastic cover or placing it inside a propagator, to prevent the cutting from drying out before roots have formed. Once rooted, the young plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them out in their permanent locations.