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Photinia

Photinia gives you a hedge that changes colour. Each flush of new growth opens bright red against glossy dark green leaves, and every trim brings on another flush. This range covers the classic Red Robin, the larger Robusta for tall screens, the compact Rubens, variegated Pink Marble and the narrow Thin Red for tight spaces. All are evergreen, fast and frost hardy. Choose by the height and width you need. Every plant is delivered Australia wide.

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How to choose a photinia

Start with the size of the hedge. Red Robin is the all rounder: dense, easy to hold anywhere from 1.5m to 3m and the brightest red of the group. Robusta has larger leaves and more vigour, the one for a tall screen of 3m to 4m in a hurry. Photinia glabra Rubens is finer and more compact, a good choice for hedges under 2m. Thin Red grows about 4m tall but only a metre wide, which suits a narrow side boundary. Pink Marble adds pink and white variegation to the red new growth and works best as a feature shrub.

Where photinia works

Photinia is at its best in temperate and cool climates, from Sydney and Perth south and across the tablelands, and it takes frost easily. It grows in subtropical gardens too, given an open, airy position. Full sun gives the strongest red and the densest growth. Use it for boundary hedges, driveway screens and windbreaks. It sits among our most popular hedging plants for cooler districts, and for more options by height see screening plants 2m to 4m.

Planting and spacing

For a dense hedge, plant Red Robin and Rubens 75cm to 1m apart and Robusta 1m to 1.5m apart. Thin Red can go 60cm to 75cm apart. Dig the soil over along the whole line, add compost, plant level with the surrounding soil and mulch. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first summer.

Care basics

Trim two or three times between spring and autumn. Each cut triggers red regrowth, so regular light trims give more colour than one hard cut a year. Feed in spring with a complete fertiliser. Good airflow and watering at the base rather than over the leaves keep leaf spot away in humid weather. The photinia care guide covers pruning and problems in detail.

Common questions

How fast does photinia grow?

Fast. Expect 50cm or more a year once established with water and feeding, and more from Robusta.

How far apart should photinia be planted for a hedge?

Plant Red Robin 75cm to 1m apart. Closer planting closes the gaps sooner but does not change the final hedge.

Why is my photinia not red?

The red is new growth. Trim lightly and feed in spring to bring on a fresh flush, and make sure the hedge gets plenty of sun.

Is photinia frost hardy?

Yes. Photinia handles frost well, which makes it a dependable hedge for inland and elevated gardens.