Buy photinia fraseri 'Red Robin' (chokeberry)
The Glossy Photinia, also known as Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’, is one of the most colourful hedges in our hedge plants range and is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. Other common names include Red Hedge Shrub, Red Robin Photinia, or Red Robin Hedge, while a frequent spelling mistake is to call the plant Fortunia Red Robin. Photinia originates from East Asia, where it is a popular garden plant. In its natural habitat, Photinia plays an important ecological role by attracting bees with its blossoms. The name Photinia comes from the Greek word ‘photeinos’, meaning ‘shining’ or ‘bright’, referring to the plant’s striking red shoots. In many gardens, this plant is seen as a symbol of youthfulness and protection. The Photinia is fast-growing and easy to prune, making it an ideal hedge plant for the garden thanks to its dense structure and attractive foliage. In addition to the Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ hedge, the Photinia is also available in other forms such as shrub, pleached tree, or ball shape.
Characteristics and features of the Photinia hedge plant
The Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a striking, evergreen hedge plant with high ornamental value. The young leaves are bright red in colour, creating a stunning contrast in spring with the glossy, dark green mature foliage. In winter, older leaves may develop a subtle reddish-brown hue, adding extra seasonal colour to the garden. This colour change makes the Red Robin hedge unique compared to other hedge varieties. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and glossy, further enhancing its decorative appeal. The ‘Red Robin’ hedge grows upright and compact, making it suitable for use as a hedge, a specimen shrub, or for borders, containers, and planters. The Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ shrub can reach a height of 2 to 5 metres, depending on location, care, and pruning. With an annual growth rate of around 30 to 50 cm, Photinia quickly forms a dense, evergreen hedge that provides excellent privacy. Regular pruning encourages branching, helps maintain the desired shape, and increases density, offering better screening and privacy. Photinia can grow upright or slightly spreading; young plants often show faster shoot growth, which over time develops into a fuller hedge. The plant responds well to pruning, both in spring and autumn, and tolerates shaping well, making it ideal for both formal and informal hedges.
The Photinia ‘Red Robin’ produces clusters of white to creamy-white flowers from April to June. This flowering period attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to enhance garden biodiversity. Although Photinia is not particularly known for its fragrance, its foliage and flowers contribute to the garden’s ecological balance. The Photinia shrub is highly adaptable in terms of location and grows well in full sun, partial shade, or light shade on well-drained soils. It tolerates light drought, heat, and air pollution thanks to its deep root system and the glossy waxy coating on its leaves. Photinia is hardy to approximately -20°C to -23°C (USDA zone 6a), provided it is planted in a sheltered spot, protected from harsh winds, and in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Safety is another advantage: under normal conditions, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is non-toxic to humans and animals, making it suitable for gardens with children and pets. The combination of vivid red new shoots, glossy evergreen foliage, and white flower clusters makes this shrub a favourite choice for many garden styles, from natural landscapes and parks to structured formal hedges. Additionally, its dense structure and evergreen leaves provide shelter for small animals and birds, further increasing its ecological value.
Use of a Red Robin hedge in the garden
The Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a popular and widely used hedge plant, valued for its colourful foliage and vigorous growth. The hedge specialists at Heijnen have listed the main garden applications below:
A Photinia hedge is ideal as a medium to tall hedge that provides year-round privacy while adding a vibrant touch of colour to the garden with its striking red new growth.
The hedge can serve as a windbreak, reducing the impact of strong winds in the garden and providing partial shelter. Although not as dense as conifers, a Photinia hedge can also offer a degree of sound absorption.
When grown as a standalone shrub, Photinia makes an eye-catching focal point thanks to its glossy foliage and bright red shoots in spring and summer.
Due to its dense branching, a Photinia hedge can be used to naturally screen and conceal objects such as a shed, wall, or waste container.
Photinia responds very well to pruning, allowing the hedge to be neatly maintained and making it suitable for topiary and shaped hedges.
In addition to being used as a hedge, Photinia can also be planted in groups or as a solitary shrub in borders or planting beds, providing shelter and nesting sites for birds and small garden wildlife.
A Photinia hedge also makes an attractive background planting for flowering shrubs and perennials, with its glossy foliage and red tips adding extra colour and contrast to the garden.
Combining a Photinia hedge with other plants
The Glossy Photinia is highly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of garden plants. This fast-growing hedge plant is a favourite among our customers. With its striking red foliage in spring and glossy green leaves in summer, Photinia creates a vibrant and colourful foundation in the garden. A Photinia hedge combines well with other hedge plants such as Taxus, Ilex, or Prunus laurocerasus. The contrasting leaf colours and textures produce a playful and dynamic effect. Since Photinia is often used as a dense, evergreen hedge, it also makes an excellent backdrop planting. The garden experts at Heijnen recommend combining a Photinia hedge in a border with ornamental shrubs and flowering perennials. Beautiful combinations can be achieved with shrubs such as Viburnum tinus, Choisya ternata (Mexican orange blossom), Cornus alba (dogwood), or Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), which add structure and height to the garden planting.
For colour and vibrancy in borders, flowering perennials such as Echinacea (coneflower), Verbena bonariensis, Salvia, Nepeta (catmint), Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Achillea (yarrow), and Gaura lindheimeri (whirling butterfly) make ideal companions. These varieties also attract plenty of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. For a more natural appearance, ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) or Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ can be added. Their airy, flowing form contrasts beautifully with the glossy, sturdy foliage of Photinia. Lavender, Perovskia (Russian sage), or low-growing roses also combine wonderfully with Photinia, especially in sunny gardens where fragrance and colour are desired. Thanks to its vigorous growth, excellent pruning tolerance, and decorative appeal, Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is not only an outstanding hedge plant but also a perfect foundation for a colourful, biodiverse, and well-balanced garden.
Location and soil requirements for a Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge
The Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ thrives best in a sunny to lightly shaded position. When planted in full sun, the plant develops a compact growth habit and the young leaves take on a vibrant red colour, highlighting the characteristic feature of this variety. Photinia also grows well in partial shade, although the foliage colour may be slightly less intense. For optimal growth and to protect young shoots, it is important to plant the Glossy Photinia in a sheltered spot, protected from cold easterly winds, particularly during the first year after planting. For healthy growth and attractive foliage, good soil conditions are essential. The Photinia hedge performs best in light to medium soils such as sandy loam, loam, or light clay, but can also be grown in heavier soils if improved with organic matter to enhance soil structure.
The soil should be moderately moist, as Photinia does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Good drainage is therefore crucial to prevent root rot. The ideal pH range is between 6 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral, since overly acidic soil may cause leaf yellowing. The addition of lime-based fertilisers can help correct this issue. Photinia also benefits from fertile, humus-rich soil that promotes growth and helps maintain strong, glossy foliage. Annual feeding in spring supports new shoot development and keeps the plant healthy. Applying a mulch layer of compost, wood chips, or leaf mould helps retain soil moisture, protects the roots from drying out, and enriches the soil at the same time.
Grower’s tip: use Heijnen planting soil for optimal root development.
Planting Glossy Photinia hedge plants
A Photinia Red Robin hedge is best planted in autumn or early spring. These are the periods when the soil is sufficiently moist and not too cold, allowing the roots to establish well. Container-grown Photinia hedge plants can, in principle, be planted throughout the year, provided there is no frost. For root-balled or bare-root plants, planting in spring or autumn is most suitable, as the chances of successful establishment are highest and the risk of drying out is minimal. Proper planting distance is essential to achieve a dense Glossy Photinia hedge. The spacing between plants depends on the size of the Photinia at the time of planting. The larger the plant, the fewer specimens are needed per linear metre. The exact spacing, price, and number of required Photinia plants per metre can be found with each specific product. As a general guideline, depending on the height of the hedge plant at planting, the following rules apply:
Photinia hedge 60/80 cm, 80/100 cm - 3 plants per linear metrePhotinia hedge 100/125 cm - 2.5 plants per linear metrePhotinia hedge 125/150 cm, 150/175 cm, 175/200 cm - 2 plants per linear metre
To ensure successful establishment and growth, it is important to prepare the soil properly. A neutral to slightly acidic soil is preferred, as overly calcareous or waterlogged soil is less well tolerated. Heijnen planting soil can be very beneficial in this process. Add Heijnen planting soil when planting to provide extra nutrients. After planting the Glossy Photinia hedge, it is essential to water the plants thoroughly, especially during dry periods. For a detailed step-by-step guide on planting a Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge, see our hedge planting instructions .
Gardener’s tip: want a full and mature Glossy Photinia hedge quickly? Choose larger Photinia plants when planting, as these will achieve a dense and established appearance much faster.
Maintenance of Glossy Photinia (Photinia hedge)
With the right care, a Glossy Photinia (Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’) hedge can remain healthy and attractive for many years. This popular evergreen hedge plant combines vigorous growth with striking red new shoots. To keep the hedge in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. The hedge specialists at Heijnen have summarised the most important care tips for the Photinia ‘Red Robin’ below:
Planting a Photinia hedge
Plant the Glossy Photinia hedge in a light, sunny to partially shaded location. In full shade, the foliage will show less intense red colouring.
Ensure the soil is well-drained and lightly moist. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay soil to prevent root rot.
When planting, use a high-quality planting soil such as Heijnen planting soil and mix in some compost to improve soil fertility and aeration.
Use a line to ensure the Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ hedge is planted straight and even in the garden.
After planting, water the Photinia generously, especially during the first few months to help the roots establish.
Pruning a Photinia hedge
Prune the Glossy Photinia twice a year: once in late spring (May or June) and again in August or September. This helps the hedge stay compact and maintain its attractive shape.
Use sharp pruning or hedge shears and avoid cutting too deeply into old wood, as it can be slow to produce new shoots.
Regular pruning stimulates the growth of new red leaves, ensuring a fresh and vibrant appearance.
During pruning, also remove any dead or damaged branches.
Feeding a Photinia hedge
Fertilise the Glossy Photinia hedge in spring and, if necessary, again in summer to support healthy growth.
Use a balanced hedge fertiliser, such as Heijnen starter and maintenance fertiliser, to provide sufficient nutrients for the plants.
Distribute the fertiliser evenly around the root zone, avoiding contact with the stems or foliage.
Over-fertilisation can cause damage, so always follow the recommended dosage.
Watering a Photinia hedge
Water generously after planting so that the roots can establish properly and the plant can settle well.
Check soil moisture regularly, especially during warm or dry periods.
Once the Red Robin hedge is well established, additional watering is only needed during prolonged dry spells.
Water preferably in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and improve absorption.
Avoid keeping the soil constantly waterlogged, as Photinia does not tolerate wet feet.
For detailed information about planting, feeding, and pruning the Glossy Photinia (Photinia) hedge, visit our page ‘Planting & Care of Photinia (Glossy Photinia)’.
What are the main ornamental features of the Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ hedge?
The Glossy Photinia hedge is one of the most popular garden plants in our hedge range. According to our customers, the following characteristics are the main ornamental features of the Photinia shrub:
Foliage of the Glossy Photinia hedge: the Red Robin hedge is best known for its striking red new shoots, which gradually mature to a deep green colour. The glossy, leathery foliage also gives the plant its common name, Glossy Photinia. Thanks to its changing foliage, the hedge is an eye-catcher all year round: in spring it produces bright red leaves that slowly turn into rich, glossy green.Evergreen with year-round ornamental value: Glossy Photinia retains its leaves throughout the year (evergreen), meaning it remains attractive not only during the growing season but also in winter. This makes the Red Robin an excellent choice for privacy, structure, and colour all year long. Only during extremely cold, windy winters might the plant lose some of its foliage, although this is rare.Versatile use: Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is suitable not only as a hedge but also as a specimen shrub, pleached tree, container plant, or shaped topiary. With its well-branched and compact growth habit, it can easily be pruned to the desired form, making it highly adaptable for various garden applications. All products on this page are suitable for use as a hedge, specimen plant, or for mass planting.Decorative flowers and berries: although the foliage and evergreen character are often considered its main attraction, Photinia ‘Red Robin’ also blooms in May and June with clusters of white flowers, followed by small red berries that later turn black. These add extra ornamental and ecological value to the plant, providing nectar for pollinators and food for birds. The berries are, however, toxic to humans, so caution is advised with young children.Easy to prune into various shapes: Glossy Photinia responds extremely well to pruning, meaning both shape and height can be adjusted as desired. This makes it suitable for almost any garden, even where a hedge might not fit. Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ can also be pruned into different forms, such as a ball shape, standard tree, or multi-stemmed shrub.
Buy a Photinia Hedge from Heijnen, Freshly Supplied Direct from the Nursery
Purchase your Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ hedge online at Heijnen for a great price. Since 1976, the Heijnen family has cultivated a wide range of hedge plants, including the popular Photinia ‘Red Robin’. This vibrant hedge plant is ideal for almost any garden and is delivered straight from the nursery, ensuring you always receive fresh plants of the highest quality. The ‘Red Robin’ is an elegant, evergreen hedge plant renowned for its striking red foliage in spring and its glossy dark green leaves in summer. This hedge not only provides privacy and shelter but also adds a lively splash of colour to your garden all year round. Thanks to its vigorous growth, the Photinia quickly forms a dense, full hedge with a luxurious appearance and excellent privacy.
Do you have any questions or would you like advice on buying or planting a Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge? Feel free to contact our plant specialists by email or phone. Buy your Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge directly from the grower and benefit from:
Top-quality Red Robin plants, grown locally
Fast and careful delivery throughout the Netherlands
Expert advice from experienced plant specialists with in-depth knowledge of growth and care
Available Photinia Plants at Heijnen
Heijnen Plants offers the following Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' hedge plants in its range:
Alternative Hedge Plants to Photinia
Would you prefer a different type of hedge instead of Photinia? Discover our popular and suitable alternatives below: