Red tip photinia (Photinia glabra)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red tip photinia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Red tip photinia
Photinia glabra, also known as Japanese photinia, is an evergreen shrub from the Rosaceae family, valued for its glossy foliage that emerges in reddish tones and matures to dark green. Its elliptical leaves and white flowers clustered in corymbs make it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or as a specimen plant in gardens and parks.
Native range
Japan and China
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade for best foliage color, and well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Watering should be regular during dry periods, especially for young plants, but avoid waterlogging. A common mistake is excessive and non-selective pruning, which can weaken the plant and reduce flowering; it's best to prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new reddish growth.
How to save a dying Red tip photinia
- Warning signs
- Small, yellowish or spotted new leaves; excessive leaf drop; dry or non-sprouting branches.
- First aid
- Check watering, ensure good drainage, place in semi-shade if sun is intense. Prune dead branches.
- What kills it
- Excessive soil moisture (root rot) or prolonged drought. Lack of light or very strong direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and there are still green shoots on the main stem.