We're offering you a 1 or 2 Photinia Red Robin Trees for £9.99, saving you up to 33% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £14.99 (correct as of 22.09.2025).

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' – A Showstopper for Every Garden

Photinia 'Red Robin' is a popular evergreen standard tree prized for its vibrant scarlet-red young leaves and attractive glossy green mature foliage. Native to Asia, this variety is widely grown across the UK for its bold colour, compact form, and year-round appeal. Each spring, clusters of small creamy white flowers appear, adding another layer of interest and attracting pollinators.

• Botanical Family: Rosaceae
• Mature Height: Supplied at approx. 1m (39") tall with a neat 14cm (5") head
• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded standard form perfect for patios, borders, or containers
• Flowering Period: Late spring (typically May–June)
• Foliage: Evergreen; new growth emerges red before maturing to glossy green
• Hardiness: RHS H5; suitable for most UK regions

Cultivation & Care Guide

• Sun/Shade: Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range from neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• Irrigation: Water regularly during dry spells until established; drought tolerant once mature.
• Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering or in late summer to maintain shape and encourage fresh red growth.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally trouble-free but watch for leaf spot in wet summers.

Planting & Seasonal Tips

• Plant any time the ground is not frozen—spring and autumn are ideal.
• Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• If using the optional patio planter, ensure good drainage by using quality compost and checking pre-drilled holes.
• Avoid waterlogging; Photinia dislikes soggy roots.
• No special fertiliser required—an annual slow-release feed in early spring will boost growth.

Design Ideas & Companion Plants

• Create an eye-catching entrance by flanking doorways or gates with a pair of standards.
• Add architectural structure to patios or terraces using containers.
• Makes a striking contrast when planted alongside evergreen box (Buxus), lavender, or heuchera varieties.
• Suits both modern and traditional garden schemes thanks to its clean lines and bold colour transitions.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Photinia 'Red Robin'?
  The best times are autumn or spring when the soil is moist but not frozen. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round if watered well.
• How fast does Photinia 'Red Robin' grow?
  This variety grows moderately fast—expect up to 30cm (12") new growth per year under good conditions.
• Does it need much pruning?
  No—just light trimming after flowering or in late summer keeps it neat and encourages vivid red shoots.