Japanese Photinia: Glossy Evergreen with Bronze New Growth

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• Family:	Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Photinia (foh-TIN-nee-uh) (Info)
  Species:	glabra (GLAY-bruh) (Info)

Overview

Japanese Photinia (Photinia glabra), also called Red Tip Photinia or Red Leaf Photinia, is a **large, broadleaf evergreen shrub** native to Japan and Korea. It is the parent (with P. serratifolia) of the ubiquitous hybrid Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin', but stands on its own as a **cleaner, more disease-resistant, and equally ornamental** plant for warm-temperate gardens (Zones 7–9).

Foliage: The Red Tip Show

The hallmark is the **new growth**: **bright bronze-red to coppery-red**, emerging in flushes throughout the growing season (especially spring and after pruning). This colorful new foliage contrasts beautifully with the **mature leaves: glossy, dark green, leathery, ovate to elliptic, 3–5 inches long, with finely serrated margins**. The red tips persist for weeks before maturing to green.

Flowers, Fruit & Form

In mid-to-late spring, **flat-topped corymbs (3–4 inches) of small, white, 5-petaled flowers** appear—showy but with a faint, sometimes unpleasant odor. These give way to **small, red pome fruits (1/4 inch)** that persist into winter, feeding birds. The plant grows **10–15 feet tall and wide** (can reach 20 ft), with a dense, upright, rounded habit.

Advantages over 'Red Robin' & Culture

P. glabra is **significantly more resistant to Entomosporium leaf spot** (the scourge of 'Red Robin') and more heat tolerant. **Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil; moderate water.** Responds well to shearing (hedge, screen, topiary) or can be limbed up as a small tree. A **superior, tougher Photinia** for the South and West Coast—choose this over 'Red Robin' for longevity.