We've all had the misfortune of observing mass installations of fraser photinia succumb to Entomosporium leaf spot that disfigures, defoliates and kills plants. Why redtips continue to be planted by homeowners -- and, what's worse, landscape professionals -- is beyond me. There are certainly better plants available for screens and hedges, even within the same genus.
One of those is Photinia serrulata, Chinese photinia. This broadleaf evergreen shrub with dense growth reaches 20-30 feet tall and may spread as much as 20 feet. It is a moderate to rapid grower. Chinese photinia is related to the hawthorns and pyracanthas, but unlike these it has no thorns.
While usually grown as a medium or large shrub, plants can be limbed up to take on more of a tree look. This approach was helpful to me when I moved into my house. The photinia there had been allowed to overtake one corner of the house, but after removing several lower branches and thinning some of the upper ones, I had a nice tree form that provided shade for the hostas and wood ferns I planted beneath.
Leaves are up to 8 inches long, firm and leathery, finely serrated along the entire outer margin. New growth in spring is reddish (not as showy as P. x fraseri) but becomes deep green above, lighter below. There are scattered crimson leaves in fall and winter. Leaves drop throughout the year, which some may consider a maintenance problem.
The bark develops a scaly texture and turns darker gray-black with age.
Flat clusters (panicles) of white flowers begin to show in March in warmer areas, April or May in more northern regions. Flowers have a scent that some people find unpleasant.
Flowers are followed by 1/4-inch red berries borne in large clusters in autumn. They dry by wintertime.
Recommended conditions
Chinese photinia grows bests in well-drained soils in sunny to partly shady locations. Mulching is recommended in dryer regions, although the plant is quite drought tolerant.
While P. serrulata is apparently resistant to the destructive Entomosporium mespili leaf spot, it is susceptible to powdery mildew and fireblight. These diseases generally occur in spring, fall and winter months during cool weather with high relative humidity and in shady areas. Often, the disease causes little or no damage, so control measures may not be necessary. If symptoms are more severe, prune out damaged portions and apply a fungicide such as Funginex or Bayleton according to label directions. Try to site the shrub in areas with good air movement to thwart disease.
To propagate Chinese photinia, take semihardwood cuttings in summer. Apply an indolebutyric acid dip at 20 parts per million for six hours. Rooting success has been rated at 80 percent.
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Specifics
Name: Photinia serrulata
Common name: Chinese photinia.
Family: Rosaceae.
Description: Medium-sized evergreen with dense, large leaves, white flower clusters in spring and red berries in fall and winter.
Dimensions: 10-30 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide. Can be pruned into a tree form.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 7, possibly 6.
Conditions: Best in full sun or part shade, and requires well-drained soil. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Landscape uses: Dense, large hedge for privacy and for reducing sound.
- Kevin Neal
Photos by Michael A. Dirr