Frequently asked questions
How do I prune my Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge?
Photinia 'Red Robin' doesn't need much pruning, but removing the tips of young shoots will encourage bushy growth, especially if you want it to develop into a hedge. Do this up to three times a year, ideally with secateurs – cutting just above a leaf joint – rather than a hedge trimmer, which can cut through leaves. Avoid pruning in autumn as any new growth is likely to be damaged by frost.
Help! What is eating my photinia?
Notches on the edges of leaves could be vine weevil, which feed on the leaves at night and lay eggs in the compost of potted plants, and the grubs eat the plant's roots. Other leaf damage could be caused by tortrix moth caterpillars, which are small, green caterpillars that fold the leaves over themselves for protection. Both species do minimal damage and should be left for birds and other wildlife to eat. However, if your photinia is growing in a pot, it can be susceptible to root damage. You can prevent vine weevil from laying eggs in the compost by adding a thick layer of gravel around the base of the plant.
Help! I recently moved my Photinia 'Red Robin' and now its leaves are drooping!
Photinia is a robust plant but no matter how careful you are when repotting or transplanting, you will always cause some root damage, as every root is covered in fine hairs which can easily drop off. Give the rootball a good drink the day before moving it and then after you have settled it into its new spot, and then continue watering every other day until you notice signs of new growth. This should prevent drooping leaves.
Help! Why have the leaves dropped from my Photinia 'Red Robin'?
Like all evergreens, photinia leaves leaves have a limited lifespan (of up to two years), but this can be reduced if the plant is growing in shade. Leaf fall may also be caused by soil that is too wet or too dry, which causes stress to the plant and leads to the shedding of leaves, typically from the base of the plant. Although hardy in most parts of the UK, photinias can be susceptible to hard winters, which may cause leaves to fall as the plant comes out of dormancy in spring. Fungal disease can also take hold, causing black blotches on the leaves and leaf fall.
To prevent or deal with the problem, remove any fallen leaves from around the plant to stop any fungal diseases spreading to new leaves, and mulch with plenty of organic matter to feed the soil and lock in moisture. Check that the soil isn't overly dry or waterlogged, and remedy accordingly.
