Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' Tree

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a striking evergreen shrub, sometimes also grown as a tree. It is a crossing between Photinia glabra and serrulate and was first bred in New Zealand. Named in 1943 after Fraser Nurseries, Birmingham Alabama.

The ‘Red Robin’ cultivar is a popular selection of Photinia, prized for its intense red foliage, which gradually matures to a glossy dark green as the leaves age. The leaves are leathery and oval-shaped, with a slightly serrated edge. This creates an attractive texture to the tree. The ‘Red Robin’ also produces small clusters of white flowers in late spring. These delicate blooms are followed by small red fruits which add further visual interest to the tree.

An excellent choice for adding colour and structure to both formal and informal landscapes.

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Size

Small

5m high x 3m wide after 25 years

Environment

Great for car parks, large gardens and housing estates. Makes a good hedge.

Canopy

Habit is broad, bushy and erect. Upright and extremely loose.

Foliage

Leaves emerge a brilliant red then transition to sharply toothed and glossy green. These are around 10cm in length.

Flowers

In spring, the tree has a profuse display of white flowers which are in umbrella shaped panicles.

Fruit

Small red fruits

Resilience

Will do well in any soil as long as it is well-drained and not too moist. This includes chalk, sand, clay, and loam. Gives the best colour when placed in full sun, but also likes partial shade. Fully hardy in most areas of the UK, but is frost sensitive so should be used in mild, protected areas.