Black Jack Photinia

Black Jack Photinia (Photinia hybrid 'Black Jack') is a tall evergreen hedging shrub with glossy, deep maroon new growth that ages to green. Left to grow it reaches 3 to 4m high and wide, and clipping holds it as low as 1m. Regular trimming brings on fresh coloured leaves, so a well kept hedge stays richly coloured.

Why you'll love it

• Deep maroon new growth. Glossy, dark maroon leaves unfold on every flush of growth, a darker look than the brighter red of Red Robin.
• Bigger than Red Robin. It has larger leaves and a taller mature height than Red Robin, which suits hedges that need real presence.
• Clipping makes more colour. Each trim stimulates new coloured leaves, so tidy hedges look their best.
• A flexible height. Keep it at 1m, hold it at 2m or let it run to 4m, depending on the job.
• Tough once settled. Once established it shrugs off frost and dry spells, and it suits most soil types.

Where it works best

Tall privacy hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The plants join into a solid screen 3 to 4m high if left to grow, or can be clipped lower for a shorter boundary.

Clipped formal hedges. Trimmed to 1 to 1.5m, it forms a dense, dark-leaved line with plenty of fresh colour after each cut.

Feature planting. Left unclipped, it carries clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by red berries, and works as a big specimen shrub.

Growing Black Jack Photinia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Once established it tolerates frost and dry spells, and it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Photinias can pick up leaf spot in warm, wet weather, so leave room for air to move and avoid wetting the leaves late in the day.

Soil. Most soil types will do. It grows faster on light, free draining soils and stays more compact on clay.

Water and feed. Mulch, and water well until established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Trim straight after flowering to build dense growth and colour, and clip to the height you want. Clipping stops flowers and berries from forming, so decide whether you want a tidy hedge or a flowering shrub.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Jack Photinia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is a small plant, so a hedge from tubes takes a few seasons to join up, but it is an economical way to plant a long boundary. Plant it out soon after arrival, water it in well and mulch.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Photinia care guide
• Browse the photinia range
• Screening plants 2m to 4m
• Hedging and screening plants

Common questions

How often should I clip it?

Clip after flowering, then trim lightly as new growth appears. Each trim brings a fresh flush of maroon leaves, so more frequent light trims give more colour.

Will it flower if I clip it?

Not usually. Flowers and red berries form on unclipped stems, so a hedge that is trimmed hard will rarely flower.

How does it compare with Red Robin?

Black Jack has darker maroon new growth, bigger leaves and a taller mature height than Red Robin, which makes it the stronger choice for tall screening.