Variegated Photinia Photinia davidiana 'Palette' (v)

Water

The Variegated Photinia should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. It is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Use approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session for a medium-sized shrub, ensuring that the water penetrates the root zone effectively. During the hotter summer months, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to prevent stress from drought.

Light

The Variegated Photinia prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When planting this shrub, choose a spot that is well-lit for the majority of the day to promote dense foliage and optimal growth.

Temperature

Variegated Photinia is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as about -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal range for growing this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be planted in areas that experience mild to moderate winters and avoid extreme cold or drastic temperature fluctuations which can cause damage.

Pruning

Prune Variegated Photinia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant can be pruned annually, focusing on removing dead or damaged branches and thinning out dense areas to improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Chinese photinia 'Palette' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Ideal soil mix can consist of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. It is important to ensure organic matter is incorporated to maintain soil health.

Repotting

Chinese photinia 'Palette' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Normal signs to repot include roots growing through the drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Chinese photinia 'Palette' tolerates average home humidity levels but thrives in higher humidity. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when top inch of soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun and shelter from strong winds; well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Photinia davidiana 'Palette', commonly known as Variegated Photinia, commences its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in a warm, moist environment, typically during spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where significant growth occurs, and it forms the characteristic variegated leaves that are green with splashes of cream and pink. This is followed by the reproductive stage, where the Variegated Photinia produces small, white flowers in spring, which are sometimes followed by red-to-black berries. After several years, the plant reaches maturity and can continue to grow and reproduce for many years if conditions are suitable. Finally, as with all living organisms, the Variegated Photinia will eventually enter a stage of decline, where growth slows and the plant may become more susceptible to stress and diseases, leading to its eventual death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Photinia davidiana 'Palette', commonly known as Variegated Photinia, is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to propagate this plant by cuttings is during the late summer or early fall, which allows the cuttings to establish roots before the onset of winter. The process involves taking cuttings of about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) long from the current season's growth, ensuring each cutting has several leaves. These cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a moist propagation medium. The medium should be kept consistently damp and the cuttings should be placed in indirect light until roots develop, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.