10 reasons to choose Photinia Red Robin hedging

This bright, bold hedging plant is one of our favourites. Offering year-round cover and fantastic, vibrant foliage, Photinia hedges are a great way to add a burst of colour to any size garden. And, it’s not just the brilliant foliage that makes this hedging species so highly appreciated. Read on to find out more.

10 reasons to plant a Photinia Red Robin Hedge

  1. An evergreen species, Photinia not only provides a dense screen in every season, but the vibrant red foliage that decorates the hedge followed by lush, dark-green leaves, provides an alternative lasting colour.
  2. Photinia hedges offer seasonal interest in the form of white flower clusters in spring and attractive red berries later in the year.
  3. The foliage creates a thick, dense hedge that moves gently in the wind, showcasing the spectrum of coloured leaves.
  4. Photinia x Fraseri is available in a variety of root types and can even be trained into topiary standards.
  5. Having received the esteemed Award of Garden Merit, even The Royal Horticultural Society agrees what a fantastic hedging plant Photinia Red Robin is.
  6. Whether your garden is a sun-trap or shaded, Photinia will grow well in most positions but does prefer full sun.
  7. If you’re not the best at staying on top of your trimming, Photinia is a great low maintenance option. An annual prune after new growth has lost its colour is all it takes to keep your hedge looking tidy but if you want to encourage more red growth, you can prune your Photinia hedge up to three times a year.
  8. Photinia hedging can handle renovation pruning which is good news if you’re faced with an overgrown Red Robin hedge.
  9. You can plant Photinia at any time of the year, using cell grown or pot grown plants.
  10. Photinia x Fraseri hedging is pollution tolerant so is the ideal hedge for urban areas.

Facts you may not know about Photinia x fraseri hedging

  • The name Photinia derives from the Greek word photeinos which means shining, in reference to the lush, glossy leaves.
  • Photinia hedging is a member of the Rosaceae family and is related to apples, Firethorns, Cotoneasters and Hawthorns.
  • The red fruits are eaten by birds which then disperse the seeds in their droppings.

View our Best4hedging YouTube channel to find more species specific videos as well as helpful how-to guides and planting advice.