Evergreen Shrub – Chinese Photinia

Chinese Photinia 

Botanical name: photinia serratifolia 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 10-40 ft in height with a 10-20 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 6-10 

Foliage color: green, red 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time: spring, summer 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size in the late winter/early spring, before new growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings in the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: privacy plant, large hedge, foundation planting, focal point

Special features: disease resistant, heat tolerant, attracts pollinators 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 4-6 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: sand, loam 

Companion plants: azaleas, boxwoods, roses, mahonia 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: potentially invasive