Chinese Photinia Photinia davidiana
ABOUT
Photinia davidiana, commonly known as David's photinia, is a deciduous shrub that displays a variety of striking features throughout the year. It has a rounded and bushy appearance with a dense growth of foliage. The leaves primarily are elliptic to oblong in shape and have finely toothed margins that provide a slightly serrated look. These leaves often emerge in tones of bronze or red before maturing into a glossy, dark green color, lending the shrub a dynamic and changing palette with the seasons. Flowering typically occurs in spring, when David's photinia produces clusters of modestly fragrant, small white flowers. These are arranged in rounded groupings known as corymbs and can cover the shrub, creating a frothy white display that's quite eye-catching. The flowers eventually give way to fruit, with small round pomes that mature from an initial green color to red and finally to a dark purple or black when fully ripe. David's photinia has a robust structure with sturdy branches that support both the weight of the foliage and the fruit. The bark on the mature shrub has a rough texture, adding to the plant's visual interest even in the winter months when the leaves have fallen. The ornamental qualities of this shrub make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add year-round visual interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
David's Photinia, Chinese Photinia, David's Redtip
Common names
Photinia serratifolia, Photinia bodinieri, Stranvaesia davidiana, Pourthiaea davidiana.
ToxicityTo humans
Photinia davidiana is commonly known as Chinese Photinia. The entire plant is considered toxic to humans if ingested due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body. Ingesting parts of Chinese Photinia can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. In severe cases, seizures, respiratory failure, and even death could occur due to cyanide poisoning.
To pets
Chinese Photinia is also toxic to pets, as it contains cyanogenic glycosides. If pets ingest any part of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Severe poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Photinia davidiana, commonly known as David's photinia, enhances gardens with its striking foliage that changes color seasonally.
- Privacy Screen: It can be grown as a hedge or screen, providing privacy due to its dense growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: David's photinia requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it shows a degree of resilience to periods of limited water availability.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators like bees, while the berries can provide food for birds.
- Windbreak: When planted in rows, David's photinia can act as a windbreak, protecting gardens and properties from strong winds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photinia davidiana, commonly known as Chinese photinia, can be used in bonsai cultivation for creating miniature landscapes, showcasing its attractive foliage and form.
- The reddish young leaves of the Chinese photinia can be used in floral arrangements to add a splash of color, particularly in the spring.
- Due to its dense growth, it can be used as a privacy hedge, effectively screening undesirable views or creating private areas in gardens and parks.
- The wood of the Chinese photinia is sometimes used in woodworking for small craft projects, taking advantage of its fine-grain texture.
- Chinese photinia's dense branches and foliage make it suitable for sound barriers near roads or industrial areas, helping to reduce noise pollution.
- The plant is often used in shelterbelt or windbreak plantings to protect more vulnerable crops from wind damage.
- Its robust root system may be employed in erosion control efforts to stabilize slopes and prevent soil from being washed away during heavy rains.
- In large landscape designs, Chinese photinia can be used as a backdrop plant, providing a solid green background to highlight other colorful ornamental plants.
- The red and green contrasting leaves can be used for holiday decorations, especially around Christmas, combining natural elements with festive color schemes.
- Chinese photinia can be integrated into wildlife gardens, as its berries may attract birds and other wildlife that feed on them.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Photinia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Photinia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Growth and Regeneration: Photinia davidiana, also commonly known as the David's photinia, often symbolizes growth and regeneration due to its evergreen nature and the red color of its new leaves, which are reminiscent of fresh beginnings and vigorous growth.
- Protection: The thick foliage of David's photinia can serve as a natural privacy barrier, leading to its symbolism for protection and the idea of creating safe spaces where one can grow without outside interference.
- Adaptability: This plant is adaptable to various environmental conditions, symbolizing the capacity to adjust and thrive in different circumstances, much like one should in life.
- Transformation: With the photinia's leaves changing from bright red to dark green as they mature, the plant represents transformation and the natural progress of life's cycles.
WaterThe Chinese Photinia requires moderate watering; it should be watered deeply once a week. You can adjust the watering frequency to every two weeks during the winter or cooler months when the plant uses less water. When watering, aim for about 1-2 gallons of water per session for a young plant, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Over time, as the plant becomes established, lessen the frequency but increase the amount to 2-3 gallons to encourage deep root growth. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
LightThe Chinese Photinia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. Avoid deep shade as this will result in reduced foliage density and less vibrant color.
TemperatureThe Chinese Photinia is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but thrives in areas where the average temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. Ensure that the plant is sheltered from extreme cold winds which can damage the foliage.
PruningPruning the Chinese Photinia is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done again in mid-summer, if necessary, to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Prune up to one third of the plant's size each year to promote vigorous new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Chinese photinia thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. For an optimal soil mix, combine garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage. Regularly amending with organic matter will benefit overall health.
RepottingChinese photinia does not require frequent repotting. Mature plants can be repotted every 3 to 5 years. If the plant is growing vigorously, or it is still young and establishing itself, check for root crowding annually and repot as necessary.
Humidity & MistingChinese photinia is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. While it can tolerate periods of dry air, consistently maintaining a humidity level around 40-50% is ideal for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to full sun; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cyclePhotinia davidiana, commonly known as David's Photinia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and develops into a seedling. The seedling stage is followed by the vegetative growth phase, during which the plant develops its root system, stem, and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the pre-flowering stage, experiencing increased growth and eventually progressing to the flowering stage, where it produces clusters of white flowers. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small pome fruits, containing seeds that can disperse to give rise to new plants. In the right conditions, David's Photinia can also reproduce vegetatively through cuttings. The lifecycle completes when the plant eventually ages and dies, though this species is perennial and can live for many years before reaching senescence.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Chinese Photinia, Photinia davidiana, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically occurs in late summer. To successfully propagate, one would select a healthy branch and cut a segment about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long. It is essential to make the cut just below a node, as this is where the rooting hormone will be most effective. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the base is dipped in rooting hormone powder or solution to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is beneath the soil surface. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until the cutting establishes a strong root system, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
