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1.Photinia Red Robin — Overview
Photinia × fraseri, widely recognized by its cultivar name 'Red Robin', is a striking evergreen hybrid shrub in the Rosaceae family. This vigorous, dense-growing plant is believed to be a cross between Photinia glabra and Photinia serrulata. It shows characteristics from both parent species. It typically grows as a large shrub or small tree. It reaches heights of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 15 feet) and a similar spread. This habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or a standalone specimen in temperate landscapes. The most iconic feature of 'Red Robin' is its spectacular new foliage.
This foliage emerges in brilliant, glossy, fire-engine red during spring and often again in autumn. The young leaves provide a dramatic contrast against the mature, dark green, leathery, elliptical to ovate leaves, which can measure 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length. Fine reddish pubescence often covers the new shoots, adding to their vibrant appearance. As the leaves age, they turn a deep, lustrous green and keep their color through the winter months. In late spring, typically May to June, 'Red Robin' produces small, star-shaped white flowers. These appear in flattened clusters (corymbs) at the branch tips. Individually they are not showy, but the collective display can be quite attractive.
Small, red, crabapple-like pome fruits occasionally follow the flowers, though fruit production is often sparse and not a primary ornamental feature. This hybrid is remarkably adaptable. It thrives in a wide range of well-drained soil types, from sandy to clay, and tolerates full sun to partial shade. Sunny locations bring out the best red foliage color. Its resilience to urban pollution, coastal conditions, and moderate drought once established further boosts its popularity in diverse horticultural settings.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Photinia × fraseri:
1.1.Photinia Red Robin — Key Features
- Striking Red New Growth — Emerges in brilliant, glossy red, especially in spring and autumn.
- Evergreen Foliage — Retains dark green, leathery leaves year-round, providing consistent garden structure.
- Hybrid Vigor — A robust and fast-growing shrub, reaching significant size.
- Dense Growth Habit — Forms a thick, bushy structure, excellent for privacy and screening.
- White Spring Flowers — Clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers appear in late spring.
- Adaptable to Conditions — Tolerates various soil types and urban pollution.
- Responds Well to Pruning — Easily shaped and maintained, encouraging more red flushes.
- Low Maintenance — Generally easy to care for once established.
- Moderate Drought Tolerance — Can withstand periods of dryness after establishment.
- Potential Toxicity — Contains cyanogenic glycosides, making it harmful if ingested.
1.2.Photinia Red Robin — Quick Summary
- Photinia 'Red Robin' is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub.
- Known for its vibrant red new foliage and dense growth.
- Ideal for hedging, screening, and as a specimen plant.
- Contains cyanogenic glycosides, making it toxic if ingested.
- Requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Not recommended for medicinal use; primarily for aesthetic landscaping.
2.Photinia Red Robin — Scientific Identity
3.Photinia Red Robin — Categories & Tags
4.Photinia Red Robin — Appearance & Identification
5.Photinia Red Robin — Water Requirements
- Site Selection — Choose a location with full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the best red foliage color.
- Soil Requirements — Thrives in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Watering — Requires regular watering during its establishment phase; once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization — Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and vibrant foliage, avoiding over-fertilization.
- Pruning — Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate the production of more red new shoots. Light trimming can be done after the first flush of red leaves.
- Propagation — Typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer, rooted in a moist, well-draining medium with rooting hormone.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally robust, but can be susceptible to leaf spot (Entomosporium maculatum), especially in humid conditions, and occasionally aphids or vine weevils. Ensure good air circulation.
- Climate — Hardy in USDA Zones 7-9, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), though severe frosts can damage new growth.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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