Photinia × fraseri
Fraser Photinia, Red Tip
Pronunciation
fo-TIN-euha x FRAY-shur-i
Family
Genus
Nativity
Of hybrid origin. Parents are Asian in origin.
Growth Habit
Upright oval, dense shrub.
Hardiness
7
Culture
Sun to shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate most all conditions except excessively wet soils. Must be protected in zone 7.
Landscape Use
Most commonly used as a a screen in the South where it is pruned heavily. Can make a respectable shrub for use in groups if left alone.
Foliage
Alternate, ovate 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. Margins serrate and the apex is acute. New foliage emerges screaming red, giving it its common name of red tip.
Buds
Terminal buds (flowers) .5 to 1 inch long, imbricately scaled, green - red in color.
Bark
Greenish brown, emitting a cherry-like odor when crushed.
Flower
White, five petals in clusters.
Fruit
Berry matures red in the fall, about .25 inches in diameter.
Propagation
Cuttings.
Pests
A fungal leaf spot has caused tremendous problems on the plants grown in the south.