Photinia beauverdiana

The Christmas berry, Photinia beauverdiana, is a deciduous shrub native to the mountains, rivers and woodlands of China, North Vietnam and Bhutan. It's grown mainly for its autumn and winter colour – in autumn its leaves turn a fantastic shade of orange before falling, while its showy red berries remain long into winter, and are particularly prominent at Christmas. It's not without its beauty in spring and summer however; its leaves emerge purple-brown, maturing to dark green, which are complemented beautifully by masses of tiny cup-shaped white flowers in early summer.

Grow Photinia beauverdiana in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It can be prone to leaf spot, so choose a ventilated area and avoid getting water on the leaves. Prune in winter to increase air circulation. Propagate by cuttings.